February 17, 2025 thru February 23, 2025
February 18, 2025
Living Life with Vision or Aim
“I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved. Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.”
(Habakkuk 2:1–2 cf. 1 Corinthians 9:26)
The vast majority of the time we get into a car to drive somewhere, we have a solid vision in our minds of where we are going. Living life is just like driving a car, we need to have a solid vision of where God is taking us in this life.
There are three different spheres in our lives that we need to have vision for. First, we need vision for eternity, so that we can stand in faith in the storms of life. Secondly, we need an overarching vision for our lives in this age and lastly, we need a vision for the season of life we are currently in. I believe if we can sense the direction of the Lord with wisdom and understanding, we can live life with clarity and fulfillment.
The Lord tells us in Habakkuk 2:1-2 to station our hearts and minds to sense God’s vision for our lives. The Lord promises in Psalm 32:8 that He will counsel us with His eye upon us. He will reveal Himself to us and direct our steps.
Let’s be bold and confident in our God to direct us. With the boldness and confidence of the Lord, let’s set our hearts to sense promptings of the Lord. Remember the Lord will either speak to us in our hearts (John 10:3-5); or the Holy Spirit will express Himself in spiritual emotions of peace and joy (Colossians 3:15); or He will cause and direct our circumstances in and around lives to signal His movement John 3:8).
Once we sense what the Lord is giving us, write down the impression so that as we read it we may run the race of life with aim or direction.
Living Life with Vision or Aim
“I will stand on my guard post And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved. Then the LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run.”
(Habakkuk 2:1–2 cf. 1 Corinthians 9:26)
The vast majority of the time we get into a car to drive somewhere, we have a solid vision in our minds of where we are going. Living life is just like driving a car, we need to have a solid vision of where God is taking us in this life.
There are three different spheres in our lives that we need to have vision for. First, we need vision for eternity, so that we can stand in faith in the storms of life. Secondly, we need an overarching vision for our lives in this age and lastly, we need a vision for the season of life we are currently in. I believe if we can sense the direction of the Lord with wisdom and understanding, we can live life with clarity and fulfillment.
The Lord tells us in Habakkuk 2:1-2 to station our hearts and minds to sense God’s vision for our lives. The Lord promises in Psalm 32:8 that He will counsel us with His eye upon us. He will reveal Himself to us and direct our steps.
Let’s be bold and confident in our God to direct us. With the boldness and confidence of the Lord, let’s set our hearts to sense promptings of the Lord. Remember the Lord will either speak to us in our hearts (John 10:3-5); or the Holy Spirit will express Himself in spiritual emotions of peace and joy (Colossians 3:15); or He will cause and direct our circumstances in and around lives to signal His movement John 3:8).
Once we sense what the Lord is giving us, write down the impression so that as we read it we may run the race of life with aim or direction.
February 17, 2025
A Vision of Eternity!
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
Many years ago, my friend, Ken Watson and I were talking about overcoming suffering in this world. He said something I have never forgotten. He pointed out how good framing and matting bring the beauty and the colors out in a painting. Then he said, “If we do not ‘frame and matt’ the sufferings we face in this world with a true vision of eternity, we can easily become depressed.” I believe that is exactly what the Apostle Paul was declaring in Romans 8:18.
But if we do not have a vision of the glories to be revealed to us in eternity, how can we fully overcome the sufferings in this world? In an effort to help, I am sharing with you my personal vision for eternity. My prayer is that it may be an encouragement to you.
I am receiving God’s vision for me to inherit and have eternal life, which is both a God-quantity of life and a God-quality of life (John 3:16). In eternity, I will live intimately along-side all of God’s family, with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 1:4-6; 21:3). As I live intimately with God, I will be living in the fullness of love, identity, acceptance, worth, purpose, intimacy and security (Revelation 21:6). As I live in the light of God’s presence, I will be living in the absolute fullness of love, joy and peace (1 John 4:6; Psalm 16:11; Hebrews 13:20). Along with God’s family, I will enjoy the unending joyful pleasures of our God and drink of the river of His delights (Psalm 16:11; 36:8). Because of Jesus’s redemptive work and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I will inherit the glorious and magnificent treasures and riches the righteous God has prepared for me (Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:19). Because God’s mercy and grace has empowered me to faithfully participate with Him in His work in this age, I will rule and reign with Him over that which the sovereign God has assigned to me (Revelation 22:5; 21:4). Along with the family of Heaven, I will enjoy the show and demonstration of the magnificence of God’s grace in the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7). In eternity, I will travel at the speed of thought in my spiritually transformed glorified, immortal, imperishable body, being amazed and enamored as I explore the magnificence and splendor of the new heavens and the new earth (1 Corinthians 15:49-55; Revelation 21-22). Alongside all the angels and my Heavenly family, I will be free to come into the massive and glorious new Jerusalem to praise, give thanks and worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 21-22).
A Vision of Eternity!
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
Many years ago, my friend, Ken Watson and I were talking about overcoming suffering in this world. He said something I have never forgotten. He pointed out how good framing and matting bring the beauty and the colors out in a painting. Then he said, “If we do not ‘frame and matt’ the sufferings we face in this world with a true vision of eternity, we can easily become depressed.” I believe that is exactly what the Apostle Paul was declaring in Romans 8:18.
But if we do not have a vision of the glories to be revealed to us in eternity, how can we fully overcome the sufferings in this world? In an effort to help, I am sharing with you my personal vision for eternity. My prayer is that it may be an encouragement to you.
I am receiving God’s vision for me to inherit and have eternal life, which is both a God-quantity of life and a God-quality of life (John 3:16). In eternity, I will live intimately along-side all of God’s family, with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 1:4-6; 21:3). As I live intimately with God, I will be living in the fullness of love, identity, acceptance, worth, purpose, intimacy and security (Revelation 21:6). As I live in the light of God’s presence, I will be living in the absolute fullness of love, joy and peace (1 John 4:6; Psalm 16:11; Hebrews 13:20). Along with God’s family, I will enjoy the unending joyful pleasures of our God and drink of the river of His delights (Psalm 16:11; 36:8). Because of Jesus’s redemptive work and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I will inherit the glorious and magnificent treasures and riches the righteous God has prepared for me (Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:19). Because God’s mercy and grace has empowered me to faithfully participate with Him in His work in this age, I will rule and reign with Him over that which the sovereign God has assigned to me (Revelation 22:5; 21:4). Along with the family of Heaven, I will enjoy the show and demonstration of the magnificence of God’s grace in the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7). In eternity, I will travel at the speed of thought in my spiritually transformed glorified, immortal, imperishable body, being amazed and enamored as I explore the magnificence and splendor of the new heavens and the new earth (1 Corinthians 15:49-55; Revelation 21-22). Alongside all the angels and my Heavenly family, I will be free to come into the massive and glorious new Jerusalem to praise, give thanks and worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 21-22).
January 20, 2025 thru January 26, 2025
January 24, 2025
Wisdom, Understanding and God’s Vision
“…we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:9–10)
In times of war in ancient times, the commanders of the armies had lookouts climb up on high mountains to look for the movements of troops. The lookouts who observed the movement of the troops were called “wise men” or in the Greek “Sophos”. Because of the usage of “Sophos”, wisdom or “Sophia” came to be used regarding movements. For example, the men that came to worship King Jesus are commonly called, “wisemen”, because they watched the movements of the stars. When we are asking for wisdom, we are asking for a revelation of movements. Wisdom of the world deals with movements of worldly things (1 Corinthians 1:20). Spiritual wisdom describes the movements in the spiritual realm.
When we are praying about “vision” for our lives; we are asking to have a knowledge of the will of God for a season for our lives, for our lives in this age or even in eternity. When we are asking to have God’s vision for our lives we are asking for “spiritual wisdom” and “understanding”. Because our God is a spiritual being and everything from God begins in the spirit and we are want to know how God is purposing things to spiritually move in and around our lives. For example, wisdom and knowledge tells us if we are wronged and insulted, and we bless the offender and we will be blessed (1 Peter 3:9-10).
Understanding means, “To place together”. God’s revelation comes in pieces (1 Corinthians 13:12). Understanding is the ability to piece the revelation of God together into an understandable mental picture. Understanding is like putting a picture puzzle together; We know where to place each piece, within the puzzle of life.
God desires for us is to have a comprehensive knowledge of His will for our lives. He longs for us to have vision of what He has purposed, what He has done and what He is doing in our lives. Spiritual wisdom and understanding of God’s will for our lives, gives us mental picture of how and when the movements of the pieces of the revelation and working of God come together in our lives. When we have spiritual wisdom and understanding of God’s will for our lives, we can joyously and powerfully fulfill God’s purpose for our lives in this world.
Let’s agree with God’s Word that God would fill us with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Wisdom, Understanding and God’s Vision
“…we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:9–10)
In times of war in ancient times, the commanders of the armies had lookouts climb up on high mountains to look for the movements of troops. The lookouts who observed the movement of the troops were called “wise men” or in the Greek “Sophos”. Because of the usage of “Sophos”, wisdom or “Sophia” came to be used regarding movements. For example, the men that came to worship King Jesus are commonly called, “wisemen”, because they watched the movements of the stars. When we are asking for wisdom, we are asking for a revelation of movements. Wisdom of the world deals with movements of worldly things (1 Corinthians 1:20). Spiritual wisdom describes the movements in the spiritual realm.
When we are praying about “vision” for our lives; we are asking to have a knowledge of the will of God for a season for our lives, for our lives in this age or even in eternity. When we are asking to have God’s vision for our lives we are asking for “spiritual wisdom” and “understanding”. Because our God is a spiritual being and everything from God begins in the spirit and we are want to know how God is purposing things to spiritually move in and around our lives. For example, wisdom and knowledge tells us if we are wronged and insulted, and we bless the offender and we will be blessed (1 Peter 3:9-10).
Understanding means, “To place together”. God’s revelation comes in pieces (1 Corinthians 13:12). Understanding is the ability to piece the revelation of God together into an understandable mental picture. Understanding is like putting a picture puzzle together; We know where to place each piece, within the puzzle of life.
God desires for us is to have a comprehensive knowledge of His will for our lives. He longs for us to have vision of what He has purposed, what He has done and what He is doing in our lives. Spiritual wisdom and understanding of God’s will for our lives, gives us mental picture of how and when the movements of the pieces of the revelation and working of God come together in our lives. When we have spiritual wisdom and understanding of God’s will for our lives, we can joyously and powerfully fulfill God’s purpose for our lives in this world.
Let’s agree with God’s Word that God would fill us with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
January 21, 2025
Vision for My Time on This Earth
“But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,” (Galatians 1:15–16)
When I travel to my old hometown in south Florida, I drive through five states. As I travel south from Virginia to Okeechobee, I pass many different roads that lead to other places and many sites that I could stop at. But because I am traveling with vision, I am able to block out any distracting routes and sites and I am able to recognize and stay on the roads that lead to my hometown.
As we travel through the journey of life, it is important for us to be able to separate the distractions from the opportunities for growth and the works God has prepared for us from the foundation of the world. When we discern and establish God’s vision in our hearts about our time on this earth, it empowers us to be able recognize the opportunities of growth and God-ordained works from the distractions.
The successes and the pleasures of the world can be very alluring and distracting. But living with a vision of growing into the likeness of Jesus helps us resist thoughts, words and actions that would distract us. Professional athletes who live with sense of vision, will not eat or drink anything that does not empower them to fulfill their vision of competing at a high level. When we live with a vision of seeing the glory of Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness.
If we have not discerned and implanted God’s vision in our hearts, it would be easy for us to take turns in our lives that will lead us away from the purpose for our existence. Good can be the enemy of the best. Good was the enemy of the best for the Apostle Paul when he took the wrong turn of trying to do a good thing of ministering to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 20,21). The best thing for Paul was being graced by God to go far away from Jerusalem and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 22:18-21). When we live life without vision, we will not complete the works of God in our lives.
We can do good works and not bear fruit, because we are doing things that are outside of the vision of God for our lives (Colossians 1:9-10). But when we live life as Jesus did, with a solid focus on God’s vision, we will live life doing the things that we are graced to do. Jesus focused on doing God’s best for Him of ministering to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matthew 15:24). He was able to say it is finished!
In summary, living with vision in this age is to receive and establish God’s vision of growing us into the likeness of Jesus (Rom. 8:29) and identify where and how we are to sow our seeds of life in this age that will bear fruit in the age to come (John 12:24-25).
Vision for My Time on This Earth
“But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,” (Galatians 1:15–16)
When I travel to my old hometown in south Florida, I drive through five states. As I travel south from Virginia to Okeechobee, I pass many different roads that lead to other places and many sites that I could stop at. But because I am traveling with vision, I am able to block out any distracting routes and sites and I am able to recognize and stay on the roads that lead to my hometown.
As we travel through the journey of life, it is important for us to be able to separate the distractions from the opportunities for growth and the works God has prepared for us from the foundation of the world. When we discern and establish God’s vision in our hearts about our time on this earth, it empowers us to be able recognize the opportunities of growth and God-ordained works from the distractions.
The successes and the pleasures of the world can be very alluring and distracting. But living with a vision of growing into the likeness of Jesus helps us resist thoughts, words and actions that would distract us. Professional athletes who live with sense of vision, will not eat or drink anything that does not empower them to fulfill their vision of competing at a high level. When we live with a vision of seeing the glory of Jesus, we are transformed into His likeness.
If we have not discerned and implanted God’s vision in our hearts, it would be easy for us to take turns in our lives that will lead us away from the purpose for our existence. Good can be the enemy of the best. Good was the enemy of the best for the Apostle Paul when he took the wrong turn of trying to do a good thing of ministering to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 20,21). The best thing for Paul was being graced by God to go far away from Jerusalem and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 22:18-21). When we live life without vision, we will not complete the works of God in our lives.
We can do good works and not bear fruit, because we are doing things that are outside of the vision of God for our lives (Colossians 1:9-10). But when we live life as Jesus did, with a solid focus on God’s vision, we will live life doing the things that we are graced to do. Jesus focused on doing God’s best for Him of ministering to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matthew 15:24). He was able to say it is finished!
In summary, living with vision in this age is to receive and establish God’s vision of growing us into the likeness of Jesus (Rom. 8:29) and identify where and how we are to sow our seeds of life in this age that will bear fruit in the age to come (John 12:24-25).
January 20, 2025
Vision for Eternity
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
God is calling us to live life with vision. When we understand God’s will and vision for our lives and we plant it in our hearts, we are sensitizing ourselves to recognize and respond to the things of God. When we are able recognize and respond to the vision of God for our lives, we will be walking in His grace and His blessings.
We have established that it is good to have vision regarding three facets of our lives; God’s vision for our lives in eternity; God vision for our lives in this age and God’s vision for our lives in the seasons of our lives in this age.
I wanted to share with you my personal vision for eternity.
In receiving God’s vision for eternity, I am receiving God’s heart or vision for me to inherit and have eternal life, which is both a God-quantity and God-quality of life (John 3:16). In eternity, I will live intimately along-side all of God’s family with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 21:3). As I live intimately with God, I will be living in the fullness of love, identity, acceptance, worth, purpose, intimacy and security (Revelation 21:6). As I live in the light of God’s presence, I will be living in the absolute fullness of love, joy and peace (1 John 4:6; Psalm 16:11; Hebrews 13:20). I along with God’s family will enjoy the unending joyful pleasures of our God (Psalm 16:11). Because of Jesus’s redemptive work and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I will inherit the glorious and magnificent treasures and riches that my righteous God has prepared me (Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:19). Because God’s mercy and grace has empowered me to faithfully participate with Him in His work in this age, I will rule and reign with Him over that which the sovereign God has assigned to me (Revelation 22:5; 21:4). Along with the family of Heaven, I will enjoy the show and demonstration of the magnificence of God’s grace in the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7). Along with my Heavenly family, I will be amazed and enamored as I explore the magnificence of the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21-22). I be free to come into the massive and glorious new Jerusalem in order to praise, give thanks and worship alongside all the angels and my Heavenly family God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 21-22).
Vision for Eternity
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
God is calling us to live life with vision. When we understand God’s will and vision for our lives and we plant it in our hearts, we are sensitizing ourselves to recognize and respond to the things of God. When we are able recognize and respond to the vision of God for our lives, we will be walking in His grace and His blessings.
We have established that it is good to have vision regarding three facets of our lives; God’s vision for our lives in eternity; God vision for our lives in this age and God’s vision for our lives in the seasons of our lives in this age.
I wanted to share with you my personal vision for eternity.
In receiving God’s vision for eternity, I am receiving God’s heart or vision for me to inherit and have eternal life, which is both a God-quantity and God-quality of life (John 3:16). In eternity, I will live intimately along-side all of God’s family with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 21:3). As I live intimately with God, I will be living in the fullness of love, identity, acceptance, worth, purpose, intimacy and security (Revelation 21:6). As I live in the light of God’s presence, I will be living in the absolute fullness of love, joy and peace (1 John 4:6; Psalm 16:11; Hebrews 13:20). I along with God’s family will enjoy the unending joyful pleasures of our God (Psalm 16:11). Because of Jesus’s redemptive work and the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I will inherit the glorious and magnificent treasures and riches that my righteous God has prepared me (Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:19). Because God’s mercy and grace has empowered me to faithfully participate with Him in His work in this age, I will rule and reign with Him over that which the sovereign God has assigned to me (Revelation 22:5; 21:4). Along with the family of Heaven, I will enjoy the show and demonstration of the magnificence of God’s grace in the ages to come (Ephesians 2:7). Along with my Heavenly family, I will be amazed and enamored as I explore the magnificence of the new heavens and the new earth (Revelation 21-22). I be free to come into the massive and glorious new Jerusalem in order to praise, give thanks and worship alongside all the angels and my Heavenly family God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (Revelation 21-22).
January 14, 2025 thru January 18, 2025
January 15, 2025
Living Life with God’s Vision and Purpose!
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” (Proverbs 29:18)
For years I confidently and passionately lived to fulfill the vision the Lord put in my heart. I used the vision I received from the Lord to direct and empower the flow of my life
But there was a season where I became overwhelmed by the many circumstances that were occurring in and around my life, my family, ministries and businesses. As a result, I lost sight of the seasonal vision the Lord had placed in my heart. Because I lost sight of God’s vision for my life, I started doing jobs and task that were not in line with the vision the Lord had given me. As a result, stress began to mount in my life, my life began to be diluted, my creativity was limited and above all my ability to walk sensitive to the Holy Spirit was hindered.
As the Lord has been teaching me about vision, I truly believe if I would have maintained my focus on what God had placed in my heart, there are a number of things in my life that would have turned out different. But praise God, He works to cause all things to work out for good.
For example, when God called the Apostle Paul to preach the Gospel, He gave Paul the vision to preach to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:16; Acts 16:16-17). But Paul became distracted from the vision of the Lord and tried to minister to and validate himself to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 22:19-ff). When Paul preached to the Jews in Jerusalem chaos ensued and he was imprisoned, and the direction of Paul’s life changed.
Consider these truths, at the beginning of Paul’s ministry, the Lord Himself told Paul that he was being sent far away from Jerusalem to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-22). The flow of God’s grace was for Paul to minister to the Gentiles (Romans 15:15-16). I believe it is important to note that the Christian disciples in Tyre, “…kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:4) But yet Paul allowed his passion for the Jewish people and the opinion of others to divert him from the vision of ministering to the Gentiles (Acts 21:23-24). Paul even allowed the opinion of others to divert him into keeping the Law of Moses, which was something Paul had rebuked Peter for. The opinions he accepted was something that was contrary to what he had told the Galatians when he declared to them that those who sought to keep the Law of Moses would be under a curse and would be cut off from the flow of the grace of God (Galatians 3:10; 5:4). It is obvious to me the Apostle Paul was distracted from the vision the Lord had given him and as a result it caused things to happen that may have not needed to occur. But praise God, our God is a redeemer, and He works to cause all things to work out for good.
I am sharing these things with you to communicate to you the importance of sensing, receiving and walking in the Lord’s vision for our lives. I also want to emphasize the importance of not allowing the circumstances of this world to distract us from the vision that God places in our hearts. But praise God we have a God who seeks to redeem our miscues and when we allow Him, He causes all things to work out for good.
Living Life with God’s Vision and Purpose!
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” (Proverbs 29:18)
For years I confidently and passionately lived to fulfill the vision the Lord put in my heart. I used the vision I received from the Lord to direct and empower the flow of my life
But there was a season where I became overwhelmed by the many circumstances that were occurring in and around my life, my family, ministries and businesses. As a result, I lost sight of the seasonal vision the Lord had placed in my heart. Because I lost sight of God’s vision for my life, I started doing jobs and task that were not in line with the vision the Lord had given me. As a result, stress began to mount in my life, my life began to be diluted, my creativity was limited and above all my ability to walk sensitive to the Holy Spirit was hindered.
As the Lord has been teaching me about vision, I truly believe if I would have maintained my focus on what God had placed in my heart, there are a number of things in my life that would have turned out different. But praise God, He works to cause all things to work out for good.
For example, when God called the Apostle Paul to preach the Gospel, He gave Paul the vision to preach to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:16; Acts 16:16-17). But Paul became distracted from the vision of the Lord and tried to minister to and validate himself to the Jews in Jerusalem (Acts 22:19-ff). When Paul preached to the Jews in Jerusalem chaos ensued and he was imprisoned, and the direction of Paul’s life changed.
Consider these truths, at the beginning of Paul’s ministry, the Lord Himself told Paul that he was being sent far away from Jerusalem to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17-22). The flow of God’s grace was for Paul to minister to the Gentiles (Romans 15:15-16). I believe it is important to note that the Christian disciples in Tyre, “…kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem.” (Acts 21:4) But yet Paul allowed his passion for the Jewish people and the opinion of others to divert him from the vision of ministering to the Gentiles (Acts 21:23-24). Paul even allowed the opinion of others to divert him into keeping the Law of Moses, which was something Paul had rebuked Peter for. The opinions he accepted was something that was contrary to what he had told the Galatians when he declared to them that those who sought to keep the Law of Moses would be under a curse and would be cut off from the flow of the grace of God (Galatians 3:10; 5:4). It is obvious to me the Apostle Paul was distracted from the vision the Lord had given him and as a result it caused things to happen that may have not needed to occur. But praise God, our God is a redeemer, and He works to cause all things to work out for good.
I am sharing these things with you to communicate to you the importance of sensing, receiving and walking in the Lord’s vision for our lives. I also want to emphasize the importance of not allowing the circumstances of this world to distract us from the vision that God places in our hearts. But praise God we have a God who seeks to redeem our miscues and when we allow Him, He causes all things to work out for good.
January 14, 2025
Living Life with God’s Vision and Purpose!
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” (Proverbs 29:18)
The vast majority of times, we do not get into a car to drive it without a simple vision of where we are going. If we do not drive a car without vision, how can we attempt to live life without vision. I believe God wants to give all of us vision in order to empower us to live life to its fullest (Psalm 32:8-10).
A personal God-given vision helps direct our lives. It provides the guidance necessary to navigate our days and make choices about every area of our lives. A personal vision is a tool that allows us to say “yes” or “no” in choosing the steps and paths that are before us. With a renewed mind, our personal vision helps us prove God’s will for our lives.
Why do I want to consider a personal vision?
1.A personal vision statement encourages me to consider God’s purpose in living for eternity, living in this life, in this season and in this day.
2.It helps me merge my eternal purpose, this life’s purpose and this season’s purpose
3.It helps me consider what I am to think, say and do.
4.It helps me clarify and keep the main thing, the main thing so that I will not get distracted (good can be an enemy of the best).
5.It helps me establish my values in my heart and mind.
6.It helps me know if I am fulfilling my eternal purpose, this life’s purpose and this season’s purpose.
7.It helps me have a firm expression of God’s purpose for my life.
I want to encourage each one of us to consider spending some quiet time with the Lord in order to hear His vision and purpose for our lives, both short term and long term. Write down what you are sensing from the Lord. Pray over it and adjust it as things become clearer. Allow what you are receiving be a compass to direct the flow of your life.
Living Life with God’s Vision and Purpose!
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” (Proverbs 29:18)
The vast majority of times, we do not get into a car to drive it without a simple vision of where we are going. If we do not drive a car without vision, how can we attempt to live life without vision. I believe God wants to give all of us vision in order to empower us to live life to its fullest (Psalm 32:8-10).
A personal God-given vision helps direct our lives. It provides the guidance necessary to navigate our days and make choices about every area of our lives. A personal vision is a tool that allows us to say “yes” or “no” in choosing the steps and paths that are before us. With a renewed mind, our personal vision helps us prove God’s will for our lives.
Why do I want to consider a personal vision?
1.A personal vision statement encourages me to consider God’s purpose in living for eternity, living in this life, in this season and in this day.
2.It helps me merge my eternal purpose, this life’s purpose and this season’s purpose
3.It helps me consider what I am to think, say and do.
4.It helps me clarify and keep the main thing, the main thing so that I will not get distracted (good can be an enemy of the best).
5.It helps me establish my values in my heart and mind.
6.It helps me know if I am fulfilling my eternal purpose, this life’s purpose and this season’s purpose.
7.It helps me have a firm expression of God’s purpose for my life.
I want to encourage each one of us to consider spending some quiet time with the Lord in order to hear His vision and purpose for our lives, both short term and long term. Write down what you are sensing from the Lord. Pray over it and adjust it as things become clearer. Allow what you are receiving be a compass to direct the flow of your life.
January 6, 2025 thru January 13, 2025
January 13, 2025
Devotions in Process!
I am sorry there have not been any devotions the last few days. I believe God is keeping us on the subject of living life with vision and purpose. But there a number of things the Lord is doing in my life to empower me to live with intentionality. It would be hypocritical for me to just put something out at this time.
So, grant me mercy as I walk with the Lord to be able to finish this subject with revelation that will empower me to be a more effective minister of the Gospel. I thank God for the opportunity to share my life with all of you.
Devotions in Process!
I am sorry there have not been any devotions the last few days. I believe God is keeping us on the subject of living life with vision and purpose. But there a number of things the Lord is doing in my life to empower me to live with intentionality. It would be hypocritical for me to just put something out at this time.
So, grant me mercy as I walk with the Lord to be able to finish this subject with revelation that will empower me to be a more effective minister of the Gospel. I thank God for the opportunity to share my life with all of you.
January 6, 2025
The Power of Vision
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” (Proverbs 29:18)
It is amazing to think of all the complexities God did when He created us and our physical bodies. One amazing thing God did to help our brains process information is a phenomenon called, “The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon”. For example, “The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon” occurs when you start thinking about buying a particular type of car and then it “seems” like you are seeing that car everywhere you go. The reality is you are not seeing that car more than usual, it is occurring because you have awakened your mind to receive information about that particular car. I found this helpful summation of this phenomena on the internet site, “Scribbr”.
Our attention is a limited resource. In our daily lives, we encounter a large quantity of information, but we don’t pay the same amount of attention to every input from our environment. If we did, our brains would be constantly overwhelmed. In order to be more efficient, our brains allow us to do two things simultaneously:
1. Select the most useful information depending on the context or the task at hand.
2. Disregard all the information that we don’t need.
This phenomenon can create a deceiving illusion if it is not understood and properly used. But when we understand how we are made this phenomenon can be very helpful.
Why would I bring this up? We have been talking about vision for the last couple of weeks. If we partner with the Lord to receive and establish His vision in our hearts and minds, it can help direct our lives in a positive and victorious direction. When we do not have vision, we simply live life without direction, believing for the best. God will work in our lives to cause all things to work out for our good. But our God wants us to live life with victorious intentionality (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Let’s be bold and ask the Lord for His vision for our lives in eternity, in this life (age) and this season (Ephesians 5:17). As we receive and establish God’s vision in our hearts, it will help direct the focus of minds and hearts to fulfill the purposes of God in our lives.
The Power of Vision
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained…” (Proverbs 29:18)
It is amazing to think of all the complexities God did when He created us and our physical bodies. One amazing thing God did to help our brains process information is a phenomenon called, “The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon”. For example, “The Baader-Meinhof phenomenon” occurs when you start thinking about buying a particular type of car and then it “seems” like you are seeing that car everywhere you go. The reality is you are not seeing that car more than usual, it is occurring because you have awakened your mind to receive information about that particular car. I found this helpful summation of this phenomena on the internet site, “Scribbr”.
Our attention is a limited resource. In our daily lives, we encounter a large quantity of information, but we don’t pay the same amount of attention to every input from our environment. If we did, our brains would be constantly overwhelmed. In order to be more efficient, our brains allow us to do two things simultaneously:
1. Select the most useful information depending on the context or the task at hand.
2. Disregard all the information that we don’t need.
This phenomenon can create a deceiving illusion if it is not understood and properly used. But when we understand how we are made this phenomenon can be very helpful.
Why would I bring this up? We have been talking about vision for the last couple of weeks. If we partner with the Lord to receive and establish His vision in our hearts and minds, it can help direct our lives in a positive and victorious direction. When we do not have vision, we simply live life without direction, believing for the best. God will work in our lives to cause all things to work out for our good. But our God wants us to live life with victorious intentionality (1 Corinthians 9:24).
Let’s be bold and ask the Lord for His vision for our lives in eternity, in this life (age) and this season (Ephesians 5:17). As we receive and establish God’s vision in our hearts, it will help direct the focus of minds and hearts to fulfill the purposes of God in our lives.
December 30, 2024 thru January 4, 2025
January 3, 2025
Tuning In!, Part 2
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6–8)
Whenever we are seeking to tune into God, it is very important for us to deal with the any type of distraction that would hinder us. One of the deadliest type of distraction, is what the Bible calls, “doubt”. Doubts hinders us from being able to receive what God is broadcasting and giving.
The Greek word for doubt means, “divided and contradictory judgements”. Doubt occurs when “divided and contradictory judgements” are established in the programing of our hearts. When a doubt infects our hearts and minds, our faith is destroyed (Mark 11:22-23).
For example, Peter had a Word from Jesus to come to Him on the water. As a result, Peter began to walk on the water. As Peter was doing the impossible, he began to entertain doubt by looking at the wind and the waves. As a result, Peter lost Jesus’s Word, and he started to sink into the sea.
Whenever we have doubts in our hearts about who God is, His provisions, or who we are as children of God, it will hinder us from tuning into the Lord and receiving His provisions. When doubt hinders us from tuning into the Lord, like Peter, we will sink into the “sea of our circumstances”.
We are created to live life full of faith, without doubting. Many years ago, I was playing in a basketball game, where I was on fire scoring a lot of my team’s points. In the last minute of the game our opponent scored, and as a result we were down by one point. I knew my teammates were expecting me to take the last shot. As our point guard brought the ball down the center of the court, I positioned myself on the right wing, waiting to receive the ball. As the clock was winding down to the last seconds, the point guard passed me the ball. As soon as I caught the pass, I jumped up to shoot the ball. As I was rising to take my shot, the thought entered my mind, “Should I bank the shot off the backboard or shoot it straight-in?” As I shot the ball, that thought rattled back and forth in my mind like marble in a tin-can. As a result, my shot hit the rim where it connects to the backboard. My doubt caused me to miss the shot and lose the game for my team. Doubts cause us to short-circuit and become ineffective in every facet of our lives.
Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any doubts that may be affecting our hearts and minds. When He reveals a doubt, ask God to forgive us for our doubt. After we have repented of the doubt, then seek God for a revelation of His truth or glory, to replace that deadly doubt. As we allow God to free us from our doubts, we will be able to live life full of faith, receiving God’s best.
Tuning In!, Part 2
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6–8)
Whenever we are seeking to tune into God, it is very important for us to deal with the any type of distraction that would hinder us. One of the deadliest type of distraction, is what the Bible calls, “doubt”. Doubts hinders us from being able to receive what God is broadcasting and giving.
The Greek word for doubt means, “divided and contradictory judgements”. Doubt occurs when “divided and contradictory judgements” are established in the programing of our hearts. When a doubt infects our hearts and minds, our faith is destroyed (Mark 11:22-23).
For example, Peter had a Word from Jesus to come to Him on the water. As a result, Peter began to walk on the water. As Peter was doing the impossible, he began to entertain doubt by looking at the wind and the waves. As a result, Peter lost Jesus’s Word, and he started to sink into the sea.
Whenever we have doubts in our hearts about who God is, His provisions, or who we are as children of God, it will hinder us from tuning into the Lord and receiving His provisions. When doubt hinders us from tuning into the Lord, like Peter, we will sink into the “sea of our circumstances”.
We are created to live life full of faith, without doubting. Many years ago, I was playing in a basketball game, where I was on fire scoring a lot of my team’s points. In the last minute of the game our opponent scored, and as a result we were down by one point. I knew my teammates were expecting me to take the last shot. As our point guard brought the ball down the center of the court, I positioned myself on the right wing, waiting to receive the ball. As the clock was winding down to the last seconds, the point guard passed me the ball. As soon as I caught the pass, I jumped up to shoot the ball. As I was rising to take my shot, the thought entered my mind, “Should I bank the shot off the backboard or shoot it straight-in?” As I shot the ball, that thought rattled back and forth in my mind like marble in a tin-can. As a result, my shot hit the rim where it connects to the backboard. My doubt caused me to miss the shot and lose the game for my team. Doubts cause us to short-circuit and become ineffective in every facet of our lives.
Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to reveal any doubts that may be affecting our hearts and minds. When He reveals a doubt, ask God to forgive us for our doubt. After we have repented of the doubt, then seek God for a revelation of His truth or glory, to replace that deadly doubt. As we allow God to free us from our doubts, we will be able to live life full of faith, receiving God’s best.
January 2, 2025
Tuning In!
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
When I was a kid watching television could be an adventure. Whenever we wanted to watch television, one of the challenges we had to overcome was “tuning” our television antenna on a particular television station. To tune our antenna, we had to physically point our antenna in a station’s direction, so that we could receive what that station was broadcasting. If we were not able to tune our antenna on a station, our television would only put out static.
Seeking the Lord is like tuning our television and its antenna. Whenever we are seeking the counsel of the Lord, it is important for us to tune the antenna of our hearts and minds to the Lord. Whenever our hearts and minds are distracted with other things, all we get is spiritual and soulish static.
The Lord is not just waiting for us to get things right before He answers us. Like those TV stations, the Lord is broadcasting His spiritual signals. But it simply depends on us getting our hearts and minds tuned into Him and not the world or our flesh.
The first step in tuning into the Lord, is directing our hearts and minds on Him and only Him. In other words, we are establishing in our hearts that the Lord is what we need, and in Him is all the provisions of life. “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust…” (Psalm 25:1–2) In our introductory passage, whenever we seek Him with every area in our hearts or lives, He promises us that we will find Him. When we find Him or tune into Him, we have everything (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33).
Tuning In!
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
When I was a kid watching television could be an adventure. Whenever we wanted to watch television, one of the challenges we had to overcome was “tuning” our television antenna on a particular television station. To tune our antenna, we had to physically point our antenna in a station’s direction, so that we could receive what that station was broadcasting. If we were not able to tune our antenna on a station, our television would only put out static.
Seeking the Lord is like tuning our television and its antenna. Whenever we are seeking the counsel of the Lord, it is important for us to tune the antenna of our hearts and minds to the Lord. Whenever our hearts and minds are distracted with other things, all we get is spiritual and soulish static.
The Lord is not just waiting for us to get things right before He answers us. Like those TV stations, the Lord is broadcasting His spiritual signals. But it simply depends on us getting our hearts and minds tuned into Him and not the world or our flesh.
The first step in tuning into the Lord, is directing our hearts and minds on Him and only Him. In other words, we are establishing in our hearts that the Lord is what we need, and in Him is all the provisions of life. “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust…” (Psalm 25:1–2) In our introductory passage, whenever we seek Him with every area in our hearts or lives, He promises us that we will find Him. When we find Him or tune into Him, we have everything (Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33).
January 1, 2025
Living Life Diligently
“The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24)
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,” (2 Peter 1:5)
In 2025, I believe God is calling us to live life with diligence. The Biblical word for diligence or diligent means, “to be swift in doing something purposeful, deliberate and/or intentional.” God is calling us to be diligent, purposeful, deliberate and intentional to live by faith so that we hear and walk in the direction He is giving each one of us in 2025.
One-time I was praying about the scriptural meaning of the word diligent and as I was praying, I had picture come into my mind. I saw myself getting in a rowboat in order to get to a particular spot on the other side of the lake. But the problem was the wind was blowing perpendicular to the direction I needed to go. In order to get to the other side of the lake I had to be diligent to row the boat straight across the lake. If I just got in the boat and was not diligent to row the boat, the wind would carry me in a direction that was opposite to where I needed to go. When the Lord gave me that picture, I knew He was telling me that if I was not diligent to direct my thinking and the focus of my faith, the winds of the world would take me to places in life I would not want to go.
2 Peter 1:5 tells us we are to be diligent in our faith. When we are diligent in our faith, we are being purposeful, deliberate and intentional to believe in God’s Word or trust in God’s nature and character. We need to be diligent to keep our minds focused on the truth of God.
The winds of the world will be blowing hard in the near future. As a result, we will need to be diligent to express and take action in what we believe God is saying and how we trust God is wanting to express Himself in and around our lives.
Living Life Diligently
“The hand of the diligent will rule, But the slack hand will be put to forced labor.” (Proverbs 12:24)
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,” (2 Peter 1:5)
In 2025, I believe God is calling us to live life with diligence. The Biblical word for diligence or diligent means, “to be swift in doing something purposeful, deliberate and/or intentional.” God is calling us to be diligent, purposeful, deliberate and intentional to live by faith so that we hear and walk in the direction He is giving each one of us in 2025.
One-time I was praying about the scriptural meaning of the word diligent and as I was praying, I had picture come into my mind. I saw myself getting in a rowboat in order to get to a particular spot on the other side of the lake. But the problem was the wind was blowing perpendicular to the direction I needed to go. In order to get to the other side of the lake I had to be diligent to row the boat straight across the lake. If I just got in the boat and was not diligent to row the boat, the wind would carry me in a direction that was opposite to where I needed to go. When the Lord gave me that picture, I knew He was telling me that if I was not diligent to direct my thinking and the focus of my faith, the winds of the world would take me to places in life I would not want to go.
2 Peter 1:5 tells us we are to be diligent in our faith. When we are diligent in our faith, we are being purposeful, deliberate and intentional to believe in God’s Word or trust in God’s nature and character. We need to be diligent to keep our minds focused on the truth of God.
The winds of the world will be blowing hard in the near future. As a result, we will need to be diligent to express and take action in what we believe God is saying and how we trust God is wanting to express Himself in and around our lives.
December 31, 2024
Vision and Our Thoughts
“But when he (Moses) was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel.” (Acts 7:23)
When I read the above passage, I picture Moses on His fortieth birthday walking around in Egypt wondering about what was next for him in his life. At this time in His life, he had already achieved success and prestige in the Kingdom of Egypt. But as he was walking around, a simple thought entered his heart to visit his Hebrew relatives, who were slaves at that time in Egypt. That simple thought was the foundation for Moses’ vision to participate with God in one of greatest deliverance stories in all of history. When Moses responded to that thought, God began orchestrating a series of events
It is important for us to not take lightly seemingly random thoughts coming into our minds and spiritual hearts. Simple thoughts that are pregnant that are pregnant with grace-filled energy, could be the foundation for the vision God is using to launch us into a God-ordained event or even new course for our lives, or even both.
In 1985, the Lord placed in my mind thoughts about going into full-time ministry. After much prayer, counsel and a lot of wrestling with the revelation, those thoughts launched our family into a course of direction that is still affecting our lives and the lives of many others.
As we pray about God’s vision for 2025, it is important for us to not discount words, pictures or emotions we are having. If words, pictures or emotions are coming into your mind, write down them down and ask the Lord what this means. The important thing is to respond in some manner to the prompting. God expects us to test and prove with a renewed mind, if a prompting is God’s will for our lives or not (Romans 12:2).
Vision and Our Thoughts
“But when he (Moses) was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel.” (Acts 7:23)
When I read the above passage, I picture Moses on His fortieth birthday walking around in Egypt wondering about what was next for him in his life. At this time in His life, he had already achieved success and prestige in the Kingdom of Egypt. But as he was walking around, a simple thought entered his heart to visit his Hebrew relatives, who were slaves at that time in Egypt. That simple thought was the foundation for Moses’ vision to participate with God in one of greatest deliverance stories in all of history. When Moses responded to that thought, God began orchestrating a series of events
It is important for us to not take lightly seemingly random thoughts coming into our minds and spiritual hearts. Simple thoughts that are pregnant that are pregnant with grace-filled energy, could be the foundation for the vision God is using to launch us into a God-ordained event or even new course for our lives, or even both.
In 1985, the Lord placed in my mind thoughts about going into full-time ministry. After much prayer, counsel and a lot of wrestling with the revelation, those thoughts launched our family into a course of direction that is still affecting our lives and the lives of many others.
As we pray about God’s vision for 2025, it is important for us to not discount words, pictures or emotions we are having. If words, pictures or emotions are coming into your mind, write down them down and ask the Lord what this means. The important thing is to respond in some manner to the prompting. God expects us to test and prove with a renewed mind, if a prompting is God’s will for our lives or not (Romans 12:2).
December 30, 2024
The Hunger for Vision
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)
I am sure all of us know what it feels like to have a stomach bug or to have eaten something that does not agree with us. When our stomach is bothering us, we do not want to eat anything else. When we are sick in our stomach, we have no appetite. In the same manner, whenever there is something we have believed to occur and it is delaying, it makes our spiritual hearts sick; we have a hard time believing for something else to occur. There is no desire to believe for anything else. If our heart is sick from a delayed hope, we need to allow the Lord to heal our hearts in order to receive new and fresh vision.
When need to ask ourselves if we have a desire to receive new and fresh revelation? Whenever we do not have an appetite for food, something is making our stomachs sick. Whenever there is not a desire for new and fresh vision, our spiritual hearts are sick. If we have no desire for fresh vision, we need to allow the Lord to heal our hearts.
The first step in allowing the Lord to heal our spiritual hearts is for us to receive the revelation that the pure hope of the Lord does not disappoint. The vision that is given from the Holy Spirit and empowered by the Holy Spirit, will never bring disappointment. Vision that is Holy Spirit given and empowered brings life. “…hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
Whenever there is a delayed hope that is making our hearts sick, there is some type of ungodly desire or lie we are allowing to taint our hearts. The devil is a master at seeking to cause circumstances in the world to arise to taint our hearts with fleshly and soulish desires or lies about God, ourselves or our circumstances.
We need to ask ourselves if we are open to new and fresh vision. If our hearts are not open to new and fresh vision, then we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us what is going on in our hearts.
The Hunger for Vision
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12)
I am sure all of us know what it feels like to have a stomach bug or to have eaten something that does not agree with us. When our stomach is bothering us, we do not want to eat anything else. When we are sick in our stomach, we have no appetite. In the same manner, whenever there is something we have believed to occur and it is delaying, it makes our spiritual hearts sick; we have a hard time believing for something else to occur. There is no desire to believe for anything else. If our heart is sick from a delayed hope, we need to allow the Lord to heal our hearts in order to receive new and fresh vision.
When need to ask ourselves if we have a desire to receive new and fresh revelation? Whenever we do not have an appetite for food, something is making our stomachs sick. Whenever there is not a desire for new and fresh vision, our spiritual hearts are sick. If we have no desire for fresh vision, we need to allow the Lord to heal our hearts.
The first step in allowing the Lord to heal our spiritual hearts is for us to receive the revelation that the pure hope of the Lord does not disappoint. The vision that is given from the Holy Spirit and empowered by the Holy Spirit, will never bring disappointment. Vision that is Holy Spirit given and empowered brings life. “…hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
Whenever there is a delayed hope that is making our hearts sick, there is some type of ungodly desire or lie we are allowing to taint our hearts. The devil is a master at seeking to cause circumstances in the world to arise to taint our hearts with fleshly and soulish desires or lies about God, ourselves or our circumstances.
We need to ask ourselves if we are open to new and fresh vision. If our hearts are not open to new and fresh vision, then we need to allow the Holy Spirit to show us what is going on in our hearts.
December 23, 2024 thru December 26, 2024
December 26, 2024
Christmas, A Testimony of Humility
“but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself…For this reason God highly exalted Him…” (Philippians 2:7–8)
There are a number of things in creation that have to occur in a sequence. For example, conception must precede birth. An airplane must take-off before it can land. To bake a cake, you have to mix the ingredients together. There must be humility before one is exalted, or else things can get catastrophic.
Christmas is the testimony of the ultimate act of humility. Jesus totally humbled Himself. The second person of the Trinity, who was the glory and the image of the Almighty, invisible God the Father, humbled Himself appearing in the image of a weak and vulnerable baby human being.
When it came time for the Son of God to become flesh and dwell among mankind, He did not come with great fanfare and showing Himself off. He became totally dependent on a young couple to raise Him. He limited Himself and limited the expression of Himself so that the fullness of Himself could be found by those who walked in humility.
He was the one who was completely seen in the spiritual realm to being the one who was hidden in the physical realm. The contrast of this difference is seen in John’s response to the exalted Jesus in Revelation 1. When John, a man who walked with the humble and veiled Son of God, caught a glimpse of the exalted Son of God, he fell on His face like a dead man, full of fear and trembling.
The ultimate act of humility was the beginning point for the ultimate act and declaration of exaltation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God humbled Himself so that God the Father could enthrone the Son of God and give Him a name which is above every other name.
Christmas is a testimony for us of humility. I pray we allow this testimony of humility permeate our souls so that our God can also exalt us into the destiny of glory He has prepared for us.
Christmas, A Testimony of Humility
“but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself…For this reason God highly exalted Him…” (Philippians 2:7–8)
There are a number of things in creation that have to occur in a sequence. For example, conception must precede birth. An airplane must take-off before it can land. To bake a cake, you have to mix the ingredients together. There must be humility before one is exalted, or else things can get catastrophic.
Christmas is the testimony of the ultimate act of humility. Jesus totally humbled Himself. The second person of the Trinity, who was the glory and the image of the Almighty, invisible God the Father, humbled Himself appearing in the image of a weak and vulnerable baby human being.
When it came time for the Son of God to become flesh and dwell among mankind, He did not come with great fanfare and showing Himself off. He became totally dependent on a young couple to raise Him. He limited Himself and limited the expression of Himself so that the fullness of Himself could be found by those who walked in humility.
He was the one who was completely seen in the spiritual realm to being the one who was hidden in the physical realm. The contrast of this difference is seen in John’s response to the exalted Jesus in Revelation 1. When John, a man who walked with the humble and veiled Son of God, caught a glimpse of the exalted Son of God, he fell on His face like a dead man, full of fear and trembling.
The ultimate act of humility was the beginning point for the ultimate act and declaration of exaltation. Jesus Christ, the Son of God humbled Himself so that God the Father could enthrone the Son of God and give Him a name which is above every other name.
Christmas is a testimony for us of humility. I pray we allow this testimony of humility permeate our souls so that our God can also exalt us into the destiny of glory He has prepared for us.
December 25, 2024
What Do I See?
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” (John 1:10)
What is Christmas really about? Christmas is about Jesus! Because it is about Jesus, he makes all things good, when His influence is established. Jesus establishes peace, so we can have peace with God and one another. Jesus brings love, so that we can receive love and love one another. Jesus brings people together. Jesus empowers us to be able give to one another. Jesus brings joy so we can have joyful pleasure during this season. All the benefits of Jesus’s birth are important. But while we enjoy His benefits, it is important to make sure we are still seeing what Christmas is really about!
Christmas is about the One through whom the worlds came into existence. Even though He is the one through whom everything came into existence, He humbled himself (dependency and perspective) by taking on the appearance of fleshly mankind. He did not just come into the world as a man, but He came into the world as weak and vulnerable baby. Because the World saw a baby, He became vulnerable to attack, as evidenced in King Herod killing the babies in Nazareth.
When Jesus first came into the world, the world saw a baby in a manger, but the spiritual realm saw the creator of all things. While the world was seeing a baby, creation saw the One who walks on water and quiets violent storms with a word. The world saw a baby, but the universe saw the One who upholds all things, by the Word of His power. The world saw a baby, while the angels and demons saw the King of the all-powerful and sovereign Kingdom of Heaven. The world saw a baby, but the spiritual realm saw the One who received the name that is above every other name. He allowed Himself to be seen as a humble and meek baby, so we could be exalted and be seated at the right hand of His all-powerful Heavenly Father.
During the Christmas season world sees a snowman; while the spiritual realm sees the one who melts and heals human hearts that are cold and indifferent. The world sees a man in red suit, flying around in a sleigh, with reindeer and elves; while the spiritual realm sees the One Who gives us of His Spirit, so that we can receive and have every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly places. The world sees Christmas sees an opportunity to sell merchandise; while the spiritual realm sees the One Who richly and freely supplies us with all things to enjoy. During the Christmas season, the world sees a decorated tree, while the spiritual realm sees the One who hung on a tree. During the Christmas season the world sees a baby, but the spiritual realm sees the One who is so glorious and majestic that when the Apostle John saw Him, he fell on His face in worship.
I am not speaking against all things that accompany the Christmas season. Any loving father enjoys seeing his children play with toys. But what I want to do is to always keep in perspective what Christmas is really about. I want to make sure I keep seeing things as a spiritual person, seeing the eternal spiritual realities. Merry Christmas!
What Do I See?
“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” (John 1:10)
What is Christmas really about? Christmas is about Jesus! Because it is about Jesus, he makes all things good, when His influence is established. Jesus establishes peace, so we can have peace with God and one another. Jesus brings love, so that we can receive love and love one another. Jesus brings people together. Jesus empowers us to be able give to one another. Jesus brings joy so we can have joyful pleasure during this season. All the benefits of Jesus’s birth are important. But while we enjoy His benefits, it is important to make sure we are still seeing what Christmas is really about!
Christmas is about the One through whom the worlds came into existence. Even though He is the one through whom everything came into existence, He humbled himself (dependency and perspective) by taking on the appearance of fleshly mankind. He did not just come into the world as a man, but He came into the world as weak and vulnerable baby. Because the World saw a baby, He became vulnerable to attack, as evidenced in King Herod killing the babies in Nazareth.
When Jesus first came into the world, the world saw a baby in a manger, but the spiritual realm saw the creator of all things. While the world was seeing a baby, creation saw the One who walks on water and quiets violent storms with a word. The world saw a baby, but the universe saw the One who upholds all things, by the Word of His power. The world saw a baby, while the angels and demons saw the King of the all-powerful and sovereign Kingdom of Heaven. The world saw a baby, but the spiritual realm saw the One who received the name that is above every other name. He allowed Himself to be seen as a humble and meek baby, so we could be exalted and be seated at the right hand of His all-powerful Heavenly Father.
During the Christmas season world sees a snowman; while the spiritual realm sees the one who melts and heals human hearts that are cold and indifferent. The world sees a man in red suit, flying around in a sleigh, with reindeer and elves; while the spiritual realm sees the One Who gives us of His Spirit, so that we can receive and have every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly places. The world sees Christmas sees an opportunity to sell merchandise; while the spiritual realm sees the One Who richly and freely supplies us with all things to enjoy. During the Christmas season, the world sees a decorated tree, while the spiritual realm sees the One who hung on a tree. During the Christmas season the world sees a baby, but the spiritual realm sees the One who is so glorious and majestic that when the Apostle John saw Him, he fell on His face in worship.
I am not speaking against all things that accompany the Christmas season. Any loving father enjoys seeing his children play with toys. But what I want to do is to always keep in perspective what Christmas is really about. I want to make sure I keep seeing things as a spiritual person, seeing the eternal spiritual realities. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2024
Light in the World
“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5)
One of the strangest things I have ever experienced was being in Syria during the Christmas season. When I would be in a Muslim country, I was used to hearing the Muslim call to prayer being broadcast from loudspeakers throughout the city every morning. I learned to simply block out their prayers to their god. But one morning, I was lying in bed, studying and praying with the window open, and I heard a Christmas carol coming from the street. For me hearing the Christmas carol brought a refreshing joy into my heart. For me, it was like a light in the darkness.
When Jesus came into the world, He became flesh and dwelt among mankind. He brought a light that has given light to millions of hearts down through the centuries. Even though the sound of the world seeks to overshadow the light of Jesus Christ, the light of Jesus has not and cannot be blacked out.
Let us intentionally listen for sound of Jesus and look for the light of Jesus as we live life. When you see Him and Hear Him, it will be for you, like it was for me when I heard that Christmas carol. I pray that you will have a great day preparing to celebrate Christmas
Light in the World
“The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5)
One of the strangest things I have ever experienced was being in Syria during the Christmas season. When I would be in a Muslim country, I was used to hearing the Muslim call to prayer being broadcast from loudspeakers throughout the city every morning. I learned to simply block out their prayers to their god. But one morning, I was lying in bed, studying and praying with the window open, and I heard a Christmas carol coming from the street. For me hearing the Christmas carol brought a refreshing joy into my heart. For me, it was like a light in the darkness.
When Jesus came into the world, He became flesh and dwelt among mankind. He brought a light that has given light to millions of hearts down through the centuries. Even though the sound of the world seeks to overshadow the light of Jesus Christ, the light of Jesus has not and cannot be blacked out.
Let us intentionally listen for sound of Jesus and look for the light of Jesus as we live life. When you see Him and Hear Him, it will be for you, like it was for me when I heard that Christmas carol. I pray that you will have a great day preparing to celebrate Christmas
December 23, 2024
It is not what we have, it is what we give away!
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)
In the passage above, the Apostle Paul was speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus. As he was empowering them as leaders, he was reminding them of how he had continually given of Himself in order that he may share with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In his summary statement, he reminds them of a quote from the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ The Lord is telling us, the blessing and favor of God is more on what we give away to others, than what we receive from others.
The key is to have a heart that does not look to receive from others, but to look to give to others. It will be in our heart of giving that we will receive. Let’s not live life, asking and looking to receive from others, but living life asking and looking to give to others, what God is telling us to give.
It is not what we have, it is what we give away!
“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)
In the passage above, the Apostle Paul was speaking to the elders of the church in Ephesus. As he was empowering them as leaders, he was reminding them of how he had continually given of Himself in order that he may share with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In his summary statement, he reminds them of a quote from the Lord Jesus Christ. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ The Lord is telling us, the blessing and favor of God is more on what we give away to others, than what we receive from others.
The key is to have a heart that does not look to receive from others, but to look to give to others. It will be in our heart of giving that we will receive. Let’s not live life, asking and looking to receive from others, but living life asking and looking to give to others, what God is telling us to give.
December 16, 2024 thru December 23, 2024
December 17, 2024
Seeking the Kingdom of God is Seeking to Hear
“And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:18–19)
For an airplane to fly, it is essential for it conform itself to the laws of aerodynamics. For us to “fly” along with the provisions and life of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is essential for us to conform our lives to the rule and reign of the King and His Kingdom by seeking to have a heart of obedience to our God and King.
Obedience is directly connected to the spiritual law of faith (Romans 1:5; 16:26). We cannot have faith in God, without being obedient to God. Faith deals with our hearts ability to be persuaded of God’s truth and glory, while obedience is about a willful response to God and His revelations.
Both faith and obedience have their origins in “hearing” with our hearts (Romans 10:10; Romans 6:17). Faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Obedience is similar to faith in that the Greek word for “obedience” literally translates, “To hear under”. Obedience to God occurs when God speaks something, and we put ourselves under what He has said either figuratively with our hearts or some type of physical act.
“Unbelief” and “disobedience” are the antithesis of faith and obedience. In the passage above, the Greek word for disobedient means, “to not allow oneself to be persuaded or believe… .” Disobedience is the conscious decision to not allow ourselves to hear and to be persuaded of what is being spoken or revealed.
Any time we are in a worship service, praying or even just reading the Bible, we must be careful not to be indifferent to things we are hearing, reading or sensing. Our loving God is always inviting us into His rest. If we are hearing, reading or sensing something and we do respond to God’s revelation, we enter into disobedience and unbelief; therefore, we become like the Hebrew children and are not able into God’s rest.
Seeking the Kingdom of God is Seeking to Hear
“And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:18–19)
For an airplane to fly, it is essential for it conform itself to the laws of aerodynamics. For us to “fly” along with the provisions and life of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is essential for us to conform our lives to the rule and reign of the King and His Kingdom by seeking to have a heart of obedience to our God and King.
Obedience is directly connected to the spiritual law of faith (Romans 1:5; 16:26). We cannot have faith in God, without being obedient to God. Faith deals with our hearts ability to be persuaded of God’s truth and glory, while obedience is about a willful response to God and His revelations.
Both faith and obedience have their origins in “hearing” with our hearts (Romans 10:10; Romans 6:17). Faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Obedience is similar to faith in that the Greek word for “obedience” literally translates, “To hear under”. Obedience to God occurs when God speaks something, and we put ourselves under what He has said either figuratively with our hearts or some type of physical act.
“Unbelief” and “disobedience” are the antithesis of faith and obedience. In the passage above, the Greek word for disobedient means, “to not allow oneself to be persuaded or believe… .” Disobedience is the conscious decision to not allow ourselves to hear and to be persuaded of what is being spoken or revealed.
Any time we are in a worship service, praying or even just reading the Bible, we must be careful not to be indifferent to things we are hearing, reading or sensing. Our loving God is always inviting us into His rest. If we are hearing, reading or sensing something and we do respond to God’s revelation, we enter into disobedience and unbelief; therefore, we become like the Hebrew children and are not able into God’s rest.
December 16, 2024
The Highest form Righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven
“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 cf. Matt. 6:33)
One of the demonic traps our society has fallen for is that we pride ourselves in resisting anyone or anything that would tell us what to do. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, one of the highest forms of righteousness is obedience. If you remember, one of the facets of the Kingdom of Heaven is, the rule and reign of the King. It would only make sense that obedience would be a very important form of righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Greek word for obedience literally means “To hear under”. When the King of the Kingdom of Heaven speaks, we put ourselves under what He is speaking or has said.
Obedience is basically the same as faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ and an obedience that establishes righteousness in our lives comes from hearing and responding to the King. In fact, obedience and faith are undeniably connected (Romans 1:5; 16:26). When we obey the King that is considered as righteousness. When we live by faith, that is considered righteousness (Romans 1:17-18). Living by faith is living in total obedience to God.
Obedience is so important it was the basis of Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for our sins. “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) Jesus’s righteous act of obedience is the foundation of our being able to receive the righteousness of God. Obedience was the legal basis for Jesus Christ to be exalted and given a name which is above every other name. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,” (Philippians 2:8–9)
If obedience was important for Jesus, it would only make sense that it would be important for us. “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed (Literally surrendered),” (Romans 6:17)
When we are seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, we are seeking to have a heart that is totally obedient to the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. If we are not walking in obedience, we are not walking in the righteousness of God and we are not seeking His Kingdom. Let’s ask the Lord to show us if there any areas of disobedience in our hearts.
The Highest form Righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven
“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 cf. Matt. 6:33)
One of the demonic traps our society has fallen for is that we pride ourselves in resisting anyone or anything that would tell us what to do. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, one of the highest forms of righteousness is obedience. If you remember, one of the facets of the Kingdom of Heaven is, the rule and reign of the King. It would only make sense that obedience would be a very important form of righteousness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Greek word for obedience literally means “To hear under”. When the King of the Kingdom of Heaven speaks, we put ourselves under what He is speaking or has said.
Obedience is basically the same as faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ and an obedience that establishes righteousness in our lives comes from hearing and responding to the King. In fact, obedience and faith are undeniably connected (Romans 1:5; 16:26). When we obey the King that is considered as righteousness. When we live by faith, that is considered righteousness (Romans 1:17-18). Living by faith is living in total obedience to God.
Obedience is so important it was the basis of Jesus Christ dying on the Cross for our sins. “For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) Jesus’s righteous act of obedience is the foundation of our being able to receive the righteousness of God. Obedience was the legal basis for Jesus Christ to be exalted and given a name which is above every other name. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,” (Philippians 2:8–9)
If obedience was important for Jesus, it would only make sense that it would be important for us. “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed (Literally surrendered),” (Romans 6:17)
When we are seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, we are seeking to have a heart that is totally obedient to the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. If we are not walking in obedience, we are not walking in the righteousness of God and we are not seeking His Kingdom. Let’s ask the Lord to show us if there any areas of disobedience in our hearts.
December 2, 2024 thru December 7, 2024
December 7, 2024
Righteousness and The Kingdom of God!, Part 3
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
When we read the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells said that prayer, giving and fasting is “your righteousness”. In other words, our efforts to pray, give, fast, worship, study the Bible and go to church in and of themselves is our righteousness, not God’s righteousness. I am not saying these things are bad in any sense. The only time these things are bad is when we are doing these things to be seen and noticed by people (Matthew 6:1-8). But seeking and doing these things in and of themselves cannot make me right with God.
Looking to pray to be right or justified with God, makes it our righteousness. Doing something like prayer, fasting, giving, Bible Study and worship to be right with God does not attain the righteousness of God. But using prayer, fasting, giving Bible Study and worship to purely come into God’s presence and receive revelation from God, those things are pathways for us to receive God’s righteousness.
Prayer, fasting, giving, Bible Study and worship are like a pipe that allows water to flow into our homes. The important part is the water, not the pipe. Prayer, fasting, giving Bible Study and worship are “pipes” for the faith and love our hearts to flow through to God, so that in turn we may receive by faith the water of God’s righteousness.
The act of prayer in and of itself is not the righteousness of God. Bible study in and of itself is not the righteousness of God, it is our righteousness. Worshipping God to simply worship is not God’s righteousness.
But when in faith I am obedient to God’s Word to pray, I am able draw near to God and receive His righteousness (Romans 6:16). When God tells me to read my Bible, and in faith I am being obedient to the Word and I read the scriptures, then I able to receive righteousness of God Himself (Matthew 6:1-8).
Too many times we focus on our actions to be the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is the revelation and impartation of Himself into our lives (1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Philippians 3:9). When we in faith seek for God and the righteousness of Himself, we are fulfilling Jesus command to, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Matthew 6:33.
To be continued!
Righteousness and The Kingdom of God!, Part 3
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
When we read the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells said that prayer, giving and fasting is “your righteousness”. In other words, our efforts to pray, give, fast, worship, study the Bible and go to church in and of themselves is our righteousness, not God’s righteousness. I am not saying these things are bad in any sense. The only time these things are bad is when we are doing these things to be seen and noticed by people (Matthew 6:1-8). But seeking and doing these things in and of themselves cannot make me right with God.
Looking to pray to be right or justified with God, makes it our righteousness. Doing something like prayer, fasting, giving, Bible Study and worship to be right with God does not attain the righteousness of God. But using prayer, fasting, giving Bible Study and worship to purely come into God’s presence and receive revelation from God, those things are pathways for us to receive God’s righteousness.
Prayer, fasting, giving, Bible Study and worship are like a pipe that allows water to flow into our homes. The important part is the water, not the pipe. Prayer, fasting, giving Bible Study and worship are “pipes” for the faith and love our hearts to flow through to God, so that in turn we may receive by faith the water of God’s righteousness.
The act of prayer in and of itself is not the righteousness of God. Bible study in and of itself is not the righteousness of God, it is our righteousness. Worshipping God to simply worship is not God’s righteousness.
But when in faith I am obedient to God’s Word to pray, I am able draw near to God and receive His righteousness (Romans 6:16). When God tells me to read my Bible, and in faith I am being obedient to the Word and I read the scriptures, then I able to receive righteousness of God Himself (Matthew 6:1-8).
Too many times we focus on our actions to be the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is the revelation and impartation of Himself into our lives (1 Corinthians 1:29-31; Philippians 3:9). When we in faith seek for God and the righteousness of Himself, we are fulfilling Jesus command to, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness”. Matthew 6:33.
To be continued!
December 6, 2024
Righteousness and The Kingdom of God!, Part 2
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
One of the common jokes that gets used around construction sites on new unsuspecting workers is they will be asked to go get, “the board stretcher”. The unsuspecting worker will go to where all the equipment is stored and diligently look for the mythical stretcher, which does not exist. The new worker ends asking someone, “what does the board stretcher look like.” A good number of good-hearted Christians want to seek for the Kingdom of God, and they want to seek God’s righteousness, but they do not know what either looks like.
We can know about things and not understand it. I know about flying a plane, but I do not understand how to fly a plane. The thing I found out is, I knew about God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, but I did not understand it. When we do not understand God and His ways, we end trying to do it and perform it, and as result we become religious in our heart and efforts. Satan ends up conning us into looking for the “board stretchers of God”. We end up getting hopeless because we do not see “all things” being added into our lives. God has promised as that when we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, “all these things will be added unto you”. If we are not seeing “all these things” being added to us, it may be because we are looking for a “religious board stretcher”.
Because of yesterday’s devotion we know the foundation of the righteousness of God is a righteousness of faith. But practically what does that mean? Jesus commands us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. What does it look like when we are seeking His righteousness. What exactly am I seeking?
Righteousness and The Kingdom of God!, Part 2
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
One of the common jokes that gets used around construction sites on new unsuspecting workers is they will be asked to go get, “the board stretcher”. The unsuspecting worker will go to where all the equipment is stored and diligently look for the mythical stretcher, which does not exist. The new worker ends asking someone, “what does the board stretcher look like.” A good number of good-hearted Christians want to seek for the Kingdom of God, and they want to seek God’s righteousness, but they do not know what either looks like.
We can know about things and not understand it. I know about flying a plane, but I do not understand how to fly a plane. The thing I found out is, I knew about God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, but I did not understand it. When we do not understand God and His ways, we end trying to do it and perform it, and as result we become religious in our heart and efforts. Satan ends up conning us into looking for the “board stretchers of God”. We end up getting hopeless because we do not see “all things” being added into our lives. God has promised as that when we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, “all these things will be added unto you”. If we are not seeing “all these things” being added to us, it may be because we are looking for a “religious board stretcher”.
Because of yesterday’s devotion we know the foundation of the righteousness of God is a righteousness of faith. But practically what does that mean? Jesus commands us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. What does it look like when we are seeking His righteousness. What exactly am I seeking?
December 5, 2024
Righteousness and The Kingdom of God!
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17)
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Every healthy society has some form of righteousness that gauges what is right and what is wrong. If a society is completely without righteousness, it is operating in lawlessness. The Kingdom of Heaven is the ultimate healthy society, because it operates in righteousness. In fact, God declares the foundations of His throne are justice and righteousness (Psalm 89:14). Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:20, for us to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven we must understand the righteousness of the Kingdom or else we cannot participate in God’s Kingdom.
The Word of God tells us there are at least three different types of righteousness. The first type is a “righteousness of our own” (Romans 10:2-3). A “righteousness of our own” is where we create standards of that we think is right and wrong. Our righteousness can be purely our view of what is right and wrong, or it could be based on our interpretation of the Word of God. One-time I had some Jesus-loving friends who were verbally persecuted by religious Christian zealots because of the length of their hair. Those religious Christian zealots had established a righteousness of their own, based on their interpretation of the Bible. This type of righteousness is relative and is always changing, because whatever the current view of the people that is its righteousness.
The second type of righteousness is a righteousness based on external actions that seeks to adhere to the letter of the Law of Moses (Romans 10:5; Matthew 5:20). The Law of Moses is from God, but it was a transitional law, preparing us to be able enter into the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:24-4:1). When we seek to externally adhere to the letter of the Law of Moses, it creates a ministry of death and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). The religious leaders of Jesus’s day did not accept Jesus’s life and teaching because they fell prey to a lifestyle of seeking to keep all of their actions in submission to the external requirements of the Law of Moses.
The third type of righteousness is the righteousness of the Kingdom, and it is a righteousness based on faith (Romans 9:30, 10:6-10; Philippians 3:9) and love (1 John 3:23). The righteousness of faith is a submission to the Word of God from the heart (Romans 10:6-10:17). The righteousness of faith will never violate or do away with the foundation of the Law of Moses, which is to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). The righteousness of the Kingdom is the heart-felt longing for and pursuit of the heart of God (Matthew 6:33).
The question for us to consider, “What is the righteousness of my life? Does the righteousness that I use for my life enable me to participate with the Kingdom of God? Jesus declared, “…unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
Righteousness and The Kingdom of God!
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17)
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Every healthy society has some form of righteousness that gauges what is right and what is wrong. If a society is completely without righteousness, it is operating in lawlessness. The Kingdom of Heaven is the ultimate healthy society, because it operates in righteousness. In fact, God declares the foundations of His throne are justice and righteousness (Psalm 89:14). Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:20, for us to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven we must understand the righteousness of the Kingdom or else we cannot participate in God’s Kingdom.
The Word of God tells us there are at least three different types of righteousness. The first type is a “righteousness of our own” (Romans 10:2-3). A “righteousness of our own” is where we create standards of that we think is right and wrong. Our righteousness can be purely our view of what is right and wrong, or it could be based on our interpretation of the Word of God. One-time I had some Jesus-loving friends who were verbally persecuted by religious Christian zealots because of the length of their hair. Those religious Christian zealots had established a righteousness of their own, based on their interpretation of the Bible. This type of righteousness is relative and is always changing, because whatever the current view of the people that is its righteousness.
The second type of righteousness is a righteousness based on external actions that seeks to adhere to the letter of the Law of Moses (Romans 10:5; Matthew 5:20). The Law of Moses is from God, but it was a transitional law, preparing us to be able enter into the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:24-4:1). When we seek to externally adhere to the letter of the Law of Moses, it creates a ministry of death and condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:6-9). The religious leaders of Jesus’s day did not accept Jesus’s life and teaching because they fell prey to a lifestyle of seeking to keep all of their actions in submission to the external requirements of the Law of Moses.
The third type of righteousness is the righteousness of the Kingdom, and it is a righteousness based on faith (Romans 9:30, 10:6-10; Philippians 3:9) and love (1 John 3:23). The righteousness of faith is a submission to the Word of God from the heart (Romans 10:6-10:17). The righteousness of faith will never violate or do away with the foundation of the Law of Moses, which is to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). The righteousness of the Kingdom is the heart-felt longing for and pursuit of the heart of God (Matthew 6:33).
The question for us to consider, “What is the righteousness of my life? Does the righteousness that I use for my life enable me to participate with the Kingdom of God? Jesus declared, “…unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)
December 4, 2024
“Your Kingdom Come and Righteousness”
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17 cf. Matthew 6:33)
One of the most important foundations of the Kingdom of Heaven is righteousness. Because of its importance, there has been an all-out demonic scheme to create misunderstandings and distortions concerning the righteousness of the Kingdom of Heaven. These misunderstandings and distortions in the hearts of people have caused wars to be fought, prejudices to be established, churches and families to be split apart, people murdered and even crucify our Savior Jesus Christ.
Righteousness simply means, “That which is right.” When Romans 14:17 says the Kingdom of God is righteousness, we have to be careful to not define the term according to our understanding. The big question is, “Right in whose eyes?” When we define righteousness according to “our perceptions and standards” of righteousness, we establish a religion. The goal is to see what is right from God’s perspective. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Are you walking in righteousness? What is the basis of what you say is righteous?
“Your Kingdom Come and Righteousness”
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17 cf. Matthew 6:33)
One of the most important foundations of the Kingdom of Heaven is righteousness. Because of its importance, there has been an all-out demonic scheme to create misunderstandings and distortions concerning the righteousness of the Kingdom of Heaven. These misunderstandings and distortions in the hearts of people have caused wars to be fought, prejudices to be established, churches and families to be split apart, people murdered and even crucify our Savior Jesus Christ.
Righteousness simply means, “That which is right.” When Romans 14:17 says the Kingdom of God is righteousness, we have to be careful to not define the term according to our understanding. The big question is, “Right in whose eyes?” When we define righteousness according to “our perceptions and standards” of righteousness, we establish a religion. The goal is to see what is right from God’s perspective. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Are you walking in righteousness? What is the basis of what you say is righteous?
December 3, 2024
“Your King Come”
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (Romans 14:19)
Mirriam-Webster’s dictionary defines religion as, “a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.” I heard someone say, “Jesus did not come to establish a religion, He came to establish a Kingdom!” When I saw that Jesus continually preached and taught about the Kingdom of Heaven, I realized the person was right.
When I say Jesus came to establish a Kingdom, I am saying, Jesus came to colonize earth making it possible for the citizens of the colony to dwell with the King by establishing the rule and reign of the God and King of Heaven. While dwelling with the citizens, the King of Heaven seeks to establish the likeness, life and culture of the King in the hearts of His citizens; while making it possible for the citizens of the Kingdom to freely draw on, utilize and enjoy the provisions of Heaven.
I must confess that down through the years, there have been a lot of times I became ensnared in religion. I focused on what we should and should not be doing and how we should do what God wanted us to do. But in recent years I have realized that is contrary to the life and culture of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our introductory passage truly defines the life and culture of the Kingdom of Heaven as righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Remember, emotions are a signal of an event. What is being signaled? Do we have peace with God; do we have peace in all our relationships (Romans 12:18); do we have peace with ourselves? Do we have peace in the midst of our circumstances?
On another note, are we enjoying life (1 Timothy 6:17)? Are we enjoying our relationships (Ecclesiastes 9:9)? Are we enjoying God, for He has promised us that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures of Heaven (Psalm 16:11). Are we empowering others to enjoy the life of God?
The big question for us to ask today is, “Are we religious or are we seeking the Kingdom of God with understanding and clarity. If we are truly seeking the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness, we will be experiencing the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God.
“Your King Come”
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (Romans 14:19)
Mirriam-Webster’s dictionary defines religion as, “a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices.” I heard someone say, “Jesus did not come to establish a religion, He came to establish a Kingdom!” When I saw that Jesus continually preached and taught about the Kingdom of Heaven, I realized the person was right.
When I say Jesus came to establish a Kingdom, I am saying, Jesus came to colonize earth making it possible for the citizens of the colony to dwell with the King by establishing the rule and reign of the God and King of Heaven. While dwelling with the citizens, the King of Heaven seeks to establish the likeness, life and culture of the King in the hearts of His citizens; while making it possible for the citizens of the Kingdom to freely draw on, utilize and enjoy the provisions of Heaven.
I must confess that down through the years, there have been a lot of times I became ensnared in religion. I focused on what we should and should not be doing and how we should do what God wanted us to do. But in recent years I have realized that is contrary to the life and culture of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our introductory passage truly defines the life and culture of the Kingdom of Heaven as righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Remember, emotions are a signal of an event. What is being signaled? Do we have peace with God; do we have peace in all our relationships (Romans 12:18); do we have peace with ourselves? Do we have peace in the midst of our circumstances?
On another note, are we enjoying life (1 Timothy 6:17)? Are we enjoying our relationships (Ecclesiastes 9:9)? Are we enjoying God, for He has promised us that in His presence is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures of Heaven (Psalm 16:11). Are we empowering others to enjoy the life of God?
The big question for us to ask today is, “Are we religious or are we seeking the Kingdom of God with understanding and clarity. If we are truly seeking the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness, we will be experiencing the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God.
December 2, 2024
Your Kingdom Come, Revival has Come!
“Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
What does it look like when the Kingdom of Heaven comes to earth?
I believe when the Kingdom of Heaven comes to earth, it is what in Christian circles, we hear people praying for and talking about as revival. The truth of the matter is that when true revival occurs on the earth, the Kingdom of Heaven has come.
I have been granted the privilege to see the Kingdom of God come in particular places and times. It is a beautiful, exhilarating and powerful sight to see and experience. When the Kingdom of God comes to earth as revival, the love, joy and peace of God is overwhelmingly present; people are powerfully born-again; people are set free from demonic oppression; people are healed; people repent of ungodly lifestyles and of their sins; relationships between people are immediately healed and restored; the power of God will manifest on and in people’s lives; clear, direct and life-changing prophetic words are declared; the manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit powerfully and freely flow in people’s lives; racial and economic barriers are broken down; families, churches, towns, cities and countries are transformed and many other types of signs and wonders occur when the Kingdom of Heaven comes as revival on the earth. All or any combination of these manifestations are evidence of the Kingdom of Heaven being present in us and/or among us.
Let’s see what the Word of God says about the subject. When someone is healed the Kingdom of God has come near (Luke 10:9). When someone is set free from some type of demonic oppression the Kingdom of God has come on them (Luke 11:20). When person is born-again, that person is transferred from the authority of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Kingdom of the God is the power of God (1 Corinthians 4:20). The Kingdom of God comes in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When the Kingdom comes (Romans 14:17), The Kingdom of Heaven causes walls of racial and economic prejudice to be broken down (James 2:2-5). God’s will is done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:9-11). All of the things I mentioned in the previous chapter come of out the things that I have mentioned this paragraph.
When we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…” we are praying for revival. We are praying for the rule and reign of God to come and bring the provisions and culture of Heaven to come on the earth. When we declare, “Your Kingdom come…”, we are asking for God and His country to invade earth and powerfully dwell in and among us. I pray and declare in faith. “God, let your Kingdom come and Your will be done on this earth as it is in Heaven!”
Your Kingdom Come, Revival has Come!
“Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
What does it look like when the Kingdom of Heaven comes to earth?
I believe when the Kingdom of Heaven comes to earth, it is what in Christian circles, we hear people praying for and talking about as revival. The truth of the matter is that when true revival occurs on the earth, the Kingdom of Heaven has come.
I have been granted the privilege to see the Kingdom of God come in particular places and times. It is a beautiful, exhilarating and powerful sight to see and experience. When the Kingdom of God comes to earth as revival, the love, joy and peace of God is overwhelmingly present; people are powerfully born-again; people are set free from demonic oppression; people are healed; people repent of ungodly lifestyles and of their sins; relationships between people are immediately healed and restored; the power of God will manifest on and in people’s lives; clear, direct and life-changing prophetic words are declared; the manifestations and gifts of the Holy Spirit powerfully and freely flow in people’s lives; racial and economic barriers are broken down; families, churches, towns, cities and countries are transformed and many other types of signs and wonders occur when the Kingdom of Heaven comes as revival on the earth. All or any combination of these manifestations are evidence of the Kingdom of Heaven being present in us and/or among us.
Let’s see what the Word of God says about the subject. When someone is healed the Kingdom of God has come near (Luke 10:9). When someone is set free from some type of demonic oppression the Kingdom of God has come on them (Luke 11:20). When person is born-again, that person is transferred from the authority of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Kingdom of the God is the power of God (1 Corinthians 4:20). The Kingdom of God comes in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. When the Kingdom comes (Romans 14:17), The Kingdom of Heaven causes walls of racial and economic prejudice to be broken down (James 2:2-5). God’s will is done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:9-11). All of the things I mentioned in the previous chapter come of out the things that I have mentioned this paragraph.
When we pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done…” we are praying for revival. We are praying for the rule and reign of God to come and bring the provisions and culture of Heaven to come on the earth. When we declare, “Your Kingdom come…”, we are asking for God and His country to invade earth and powerfully dwell in and among us. I pray and declare in faith. “God, let your Kingdom come and Your will be done on this earth as it is in Heaven!”
November 25, 2024 thru November 30, 2024
November 30, 2024
Your Kingdom Come, in Power, Part 4
“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
I remember when I was a kid, the glorious and exciting day my brother came home from a year-long military tour in Vietnam. I distinctly remember the joy and excitement we felt when we greeted him at the airport. The way we felt when we were waiting for Bud’s plane to arrive at the airport, is the same way I feel when I think about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When Bud came off the plane there was a lot of shouting, hugging, rejoicing and crying tears of joy. But when Jesus comes in the fullness of His Kingdom, I am sure there will be much, much more shouting, rejoicing and crying from joy at sight of Savior coming in power to receive us to Himself.
The passage above tells us that He and His Kingdom will come “…with power…”. When He comes, first He will exert His power to raise from the dead and gather those whose souls are in Heaven awaiting the resurrection of their bodies.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52)
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43)
The bodies of those who have died and are waiting for the resurrection day, were sown in weakness (sickness, pain), but the power of God will raise their bodies in power, immortal, incorruptible and full of glory. After they are transformed, and Jesus will bring them with Him to greet in the clouds the born-again believers who are alive on earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). The power of God will then transform the bodies of those who are alive, and they meet together in clouds.
I cannot imagine the greatness of the power that it will take to disarm the forces of darkness when Jesus comes to eternally transform His saints and take them home. I also cannot fully imagine the joy and the shouting of loved ones greeting one another. What will be even greater is the joy that will come when see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).
When we declare, “Your Kingdom come”, it means so much. It holds meaning for us who are holding dear the spiritual manifestation of the Kingdom of God in our hearts and lives. But also means so much when understand the physical-spiritual manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven when Jesus comes again. Your Kingdom come in power!
Your Kingdom Come, in Power, Part 4
“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
I remember when I was a kid, the glorious and exciting day my brother came home from a year-long military tour in Vietnam. I distinctly remember the joy and excitement we felt when we greeted him at the airport. The way we felt when we were waiting for Bud’s plane to arrive at the airport, is the same way I feel when I think about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When Bud came off the plane there was a lot of shouting, hugging, rejoicing and crying tears of joy. But when Jesus comes in the fullness of His Kingdom, I am sure there will be much, much more shouting, rejoicing and crying from joy at sight of Savior coming in power to receive us to Himself.
The passage above tells us that He and His Kingdom will come “…with power…”. When He comes, first He will exert His power to raise from the dead and gather those whose souls are in Heaven awaiting the resurrection of their bodies.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51–52)
“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;” (1 Corinthians 15:42–43)
The bodies of those who have died and are waiting for the resurrection day, were sown in weakness (sickness, pain), but the power of God will raise their bodies in power, immortal, incorruptible and full of glory. After they are transformed, and Jesus will bring them with Him to greet in the clouds the born-again believers who are alive on earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). The power of God will then transform the bodies of those who are alive, and they meet together in clouds.
I cannot imagine the greatness of the power that it will take to disarm the forces of darkness when Jesus comes to eternally transform His saints and take them home. I also cannot fully imagine the joy and the shouting of loved ones greeting one another. What will be even greater is the joy that will come when see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).
When we declare, “Your Kingdom come”, it means so much. It holds meaning for us who are holding dear the spiritual manifestation of the Kingdom of God in our hearts and lives. But also means so much when understand the physical-spiritual manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven when Jesus comes again. Your Kingdom come in power!
November 29, 2024
Your Kingdom Come, Part 3
“Your kingdom come (in power)” (Matthew 6:10)
A high voltage power line cuts across one of our properties. At one high overlook, we look straight out at the powerline. On cold misty rainy days, you can hear and feel the high voltage power vibrating the atmosphere around the powerlines. When I think about it, the physical reality of those powerlines on a misty day reminds me of the spiritual reality of powerful Kingdom of Heaven.
The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.” Paul’s declaration tells us, the manifestation of the power of God is one of the indicators of the presence and working of the Kingdom of God.
Power was the main force God used when He created the heavens and the earth. God uses power to hold all things together (Hebrews 1:3). When Jesus walked on the earth, He healed the sick and cast out demons by the power of God (Luke 4:14, 36). Our Lord and King Jesus was raised from the dead and seated on His throne by the power of God (Ephesians 1:19-21). When Jesus was raised from the dead, it was the power of God that enabled Jesus to openly defeat and overcome the forces of darkness that were trying to keep Him in Hades (Acts 2:24; Colossians 2:15). Jesus gave that same power to His disciples to walk-in and minister the Gospel of the Kingdom (Luke 9:1; Acts 4:33).
Power of the Kingdom of God is not just something for us to read about in Bible stories. The same conquering power God used when He raised Jesus from the dead is at our disposal today (Ephesians 1:18-21). The same power Jesus and His disciples He walked in, is in us (2 Timothy 1:7). It is the power of the Kingdom Heaven that enables us to be born again and be transformed from sinners into holy and overcoming men and women of God (Romans 1:16). It is the power of God that empowers us to live victoriously in the world with patience and endurance (Colossians 1:11). The power of the Kingdom enables us to overcome depression and hopelessness (Romans 15:13). It is power of the Kingdom, God uses to heal, redeem and restore the depths of our souls, so that Jesus Christ may spiritually dwell in the different areas our hearts (Ephesians 3:14-21). In the same way God used the power of the Kingdom to raise Jesus from the dead, He will use to physically transform us into the likeness of the resurrected Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:14). Power is one of the important characteristics of the Kingdom of Heaven God uses to affect our lives. As we receive revelation of the reality of God’s power and allow His power to actively work in and around us, we can experience things far above anything we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:13-20).
When we are praying, "Your Kingdom come", we are praying the power of God would come and bring His life, provisions and will into effect on the earth.
Your Kingdom Come, Part 3
“Your kingdom come (in power)” (Matthew 6:10)
A high voltage power line cuts across one of our properties. At one high overlook, we look straight out at the powerline. On cold misty rainy days, you can hear and feel the high voltage power vibrating the atmosphere around the powerlines. When I think about it, the physical reality of those powerlines on a misty day reminds me of the spiritual reality of powerful Kingdom of Heaven.
The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.” Paul’s declaration tells us, the manifestation of the power of God is one of the indicators of the presence and working of the Kingdom of God.
Power was the main force God used when He created the heavens and the earth. God uses power to hold all things together (Hebrews 1:3). When Jesus walked on the earth, He healed the sick and cast out demons by the power of God (Luke 4:14, 36). Our Lord and King Jesus was raised from the dead and seated on His throne by the power of God (Ephesians 1:19-21). When Jesus was raised from the dead, it was the power of God that enabled Jesus to openly defeat and overcome the forces of darkness that were trying to keep Him in Hades (Acts 2:24; Colossians 2:15). Jesus gave that same power to His disciples to walk-in and minister the Gospel of the Kingdom (Luke 9:1; Acts 4:33).
Power of the Kingdom of God is not just something for us to read about in Bible stories. The same conquering power God used when He raised Jesus from the dead is at our disposal today (Ephesians 1:18-21). The same power Jesus and His disciples He walked in, is in us (2 Timothy 1:7). It is the power of the Kingdom Heaven that enables us to be born again and be transformed from sinners into holy and overcoming men and women of God (Romans 1:16). It is the power of God that empowers us to live victoriously in the world with patience and endurance (Colossians 1:11). The power of the Kingdom enables us to overcome depression and hopelessness (Romans 15:13). It is power of the Kingdom, God uses to heal, redeem and restore the depths of our souls, so that Jesus Christ may spiritually dwell in the different areas our hearts (Ephesians 3:14-21). In the same way God used the power of the Kingdom to raise Jesus from the dead, He will use to physically transform us into the likeness of the resurrected Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:14). Power is one of the important characteristics of the Kingdom of Heaven God uses to affect our lives. As we receive revelation of the reality of God’s power and allow His power to actively work in and around us, we can experience things far above anything we could ever ask or think (Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:13-20).
When we are praying, "Your Kingdom come", we are praying the power of God would come and bring His life, provisions and will into effect on the earth.
November 28, 2024
Thanksgiving, Taking Our Place!
“…and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father…” (Revelation 1:6)
“…holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
When we are born again, we become citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven in this world. Our citizenship carries the rights and privileges of our place in the Kingdom. Our ambassadorship is our role as representatives of King Jesus to the people who are still a part of this world and under the authority of the devil. But there is another role we have as sons and daughters of the Kingdom of God and that is the role of a priest to our God.
Our role as priest is not as representatives of people before God. Our role as priest is to offer up spiritual sacrifices before and to our God. There are a number of ways we fulfill our duty of offering spiritual sacrifices to God. One of the most prominent ways we offer up spiritual sacrifices is by expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
Praise and thanksgiving are not for God, they are for us. God does not need our praise and thanksgiving. We need to praise and give thanks. Praise and thanksgiving fuels our ability to connect into the reality of God.
Fire requires an environment of oxygen in order for it to burn. The second there is no oxygen, is the second the fire goes out. Our ability to live and be empowered in the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven is fueled by praise and thanksgiving. Praise and thanksgiving is the oxygen of the spiritual environment of God. The second we stop giving thanks and start complaining is the second the spiritual environment of the Kingdom is hindered.
Our priestly role is to allow everything in our lives to be permeated with praise and thanksgiving. “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 cf. Ephesians 5:20) Praise and thanksgiving fuels the effectiveness of our prayer life. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Like wings on an eagle, praise and thanksgiving allows us to soar into God's presence. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4) Even the eating of food is empowered and blessed when we eat with an attitude of thanksgiving. “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude (Thanksgiving)…” (1 Timothy 4:4) Thanksgiving enables God to multiply our resources. “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12 cf. John 6:11)
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday let’s fuel the spiritual atmosphere of the Kingdom of Heaven in and around our lives with the oxygen of the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving, Taking Our Place!
“…and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father…” (Revelation 1:6)
“…holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5)
When we are born again, we become citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven in this world. Our citizenship carries the rights and privileges of our place in the Kingdom. Our ambassadorship is our role as representatives of King Jesus to the people who are still a part of this world and under the authority of the devil. But there is another role we have as sons and daughters of the Kingdom of God and that is the role of a priest to our God.
Our role as priest is not as representatives of people before God. Our role as priest is to offer up spiritual sacrifices before and to our God. There are a number of ways we fulfill our duty of offering spiritual sacrifices to God. One of the most prominent ways we offer up spiritual sacrifices is by expressing praise and thanksgiving to God. “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
Praise and thanksgiving are not for God, they are for us. God does not need our praise and thanksgiving. We need to praise and give thanks. Praise and thanksgiving fuels our ability to connect into the reality of God.
Fire requires an environment of oxygen in order for it to burn. The second there is no oxygen, is the second the fire goes out. Our ability to live and be empowered in the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven is fueled by praise and thanksgiving. Praise and thanksgiving is the oxygen of the spiritual environment of God. The second we stop giving thanks and start complaining is the second the spiritual environment of the Kingdom is hindered.
Our priestly role is to allow everything in our lives to be permeated with praise and thanksgiving. “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 cf. Ephesians 5:20) Praise and thanksgiving fuels the effectiveness of our prayer life. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) Like wings on an eagle, praise and thanksgiving allows us to soar into God's presence. “Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4) Even the eating of food is empowered and blessed when we eat with an attitude of thanksgiving. “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude (Thanksgiving)…” (1 Timothy 4:4) Thanksgiving enables God to multiply our resources. “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:12 cf. John 6:11)
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday let’s fuel the spiritual atmosphere of the Kingdom of Heaven in and around our lives with the oxygen of the spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving.
November 27, 2024
Your Kingdom Come, Part 2
“Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
In yesterday’s devotion we talked about our being able to recognize the atmospheric signs of the Kingdom of Heaven. We know there will be a time in the future when the spiritually physical manifestation of Kingdom of Heaven will be unmistakable. When the Kingdom of Heaven spiritually physically manifest, there will be no doubt about the presence of the King and His Kingdom. But at this time in history, God has chosen to manifest His Kingdom solely in the spiritual realm in and through, us the ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom (Luke 17:20–21; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The passport and proof that we are sons and daughters of the Kingdom, is the sealing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us (Ephesians 1:13). It is for this reason the Word of God declares, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
The presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit is the key to recognizing the presence and working of the Kingdom of Heaven in and around us. Like I said yesterday, if we are not wise in our discernment, we could confuse dead religion for the presence Kingdom of Heaven. What we think is the working of God, could really be soulish or fleshly religion. Romans 14:17 tells us the Kingdom of God is, “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Peace and joy are facets of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” (Galatians 5:22–23) The Fruit of the Spirit is an indicator, signaling to us the presence and manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God.
There are “not” nine different Fruits of the Spirit, there is one fruit, with nine different facets. The Greek Word for “fruit” is singular, not plural. If you have one facet of the Fruit of the Spirit, you will have all the rest of the fruit. We cannot have peace of the Spirit, without love and patience of the Spirit. We cannot have joy of the Spirit, without having kindness and gentleness of the Spirit. We cannot have love, joy and peace of the Spirit without having self-control of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is like a great big, beautiful orange, having different segments.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important indicators for us to discern the presence and working of the Kingdom of Heaven. That is why in James 3:13-18 we are given spiritual tools so we can discern the type of wisdom that is being expressed. Is what we are hearing, seeing or feeling out of the Kingdom of Heaven, or is it from a counterfeit source?
Wisdom that is from this world will generate indicators of jealousy, selfish ambition, pride, disorder and evil behavior. When we hear words, feel emotions and see behavior that displays these characteristics, we know the Kingdom of God is “not” present in a situation.
But wisdom that is from the Kingdom of Heaven, is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, without doubt and without any form of hypocrisy. When we hear words, see actions and/or feel emotions that is line with these characteristics, we know the Kingdom of Heaven is present and working. We can easily talk about the characteristics of the Kingdom, but the important question is, “Is the Kingdom of Heaven coming in us and around us?”
Your Kingdom Come, Part 2
“Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
In yesterday’s devotion we talked about our being able to recognize the atmospheric signs of the Kingdom of Heaven. We know there will be a time in the future when the spiritually physical manifestation of Kingdom of Heaven will be unmistakable. When the Kingdom of Heaven spiritually physically manifest, there will be no doubt about the presence of the King and His Kingdom. But at this time in history, God has chosen to manifest His Kingdom solely in the spiritual realm in and through, us the ambassadors and citizens of the Kingdom (Luke 17:20–21; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The passport and proof that we are sons and daughters of the Kingdom, is the sealing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us (Ephesians 1:13). It is for this reason the Word of God declares, “…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
The presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit is the key to recognizing the presence and working of the Kingdom of Heaven in and around us. Like I said yesterday, if we are not wise in our discernment, we could confuse dead religion for the presence Kingdom of Heaven. What we think is the working of God, could really be soulish or fleshly religion. Romans 14:17 tells us the Kingdom of God is, “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Peace and joy are facets of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” (Galatians 5:22–23) The Fruit of the Spirit is an indicator, signaling to us the presence and manifestation of the Holy Spirit and the Kingdom of God.
There are “not” nine different Fruits of the Spirit, there is one fruit, with nine different facets. The Greek Word for “fruit” is singular, not plural. If you have one facet of the Fruit of the Spirit, you will have all the rest of the fruit. We cannot have peace of the Spirit, without love and patience of the Spirit. We cannot have joy of the Spirit, without having kindness and gentleness of the Spirit. We cannot have love, joy and peace of the Spirit without having self-control of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is like a great big, beautiful orange, having different segments.
The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important indicators for us to discern the presence and working of the Kingdom of Heaven. That is why in James 3:13-18 we are given spiritual tools so we can discern the type of wisdom that is being expressed. Is what we are hearing, seeing or feeling out of the Kingdom of Heaven, or is it from a counterfeit source?
Wisdom that is from this world will generate indicators of jealousy, selfish ambition, pride, disorder and evil behavior. When we hear words, feel emotions and see behavior that displays these characteristics, we know the Kingdom of God is “not” present in a situation.
But wisdom that is from the Kingdom of Heaven, is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, without doubt and without any form of hypocrisy. When we hear words, see actions and/or feel emotions that is line with these characteristics, we know the Kingdom of Heaven is present and working. We can easily talk about the characteristics of the Kingdom, but the important question is, “Is the Kingdom of Heaven coming in us and around us?”
November 26, 2024
Your Kingdom Come
“Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
One of the most important sciences for our society today, is meteorology. Meteorology is used to predict the weather. One of the most important functions of meteorologist is their ability to help us prepare for the possibility of severe weather, like tornados and hurricanes. It could be devasting for the people who live near the coast if they did not know a hurricane was about to hit.
Knowing the atmospheric conditions is important for predicting the weather, but I believe predicting the spiritual atmospheric conditions of the Kingdom of Heaven is just as important for us. “You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time (presence of the Kingdom)? (Luke 12:56) That is exactly why Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders of His day. They did not recognize the spiritual atmosphere of the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus tells us to pray for the Kingdom of Heaven to come to earth, but the important question is, “Can we recognize the spiritual atmosphere of the presence of God’s Kingdom when it does come?” It is easy to confuse God’s Kingdom for religion. What we think is God, may not be God at all.
The people of Jesus’s day thought the atmosphere of the Kingdom would look and feel one way, but the reality was the Kingdom looked and felt totally different than what they were expecting. That is exactly why Jesus kept preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)
Repent means, “To have another mind.” We must think differently from the way we have thought in the past in order to participate with the spiritual working and spiritual manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven at this time. We must be able to recognize the spiritual atmospheric signs of the Kingdom of Heaven, so that we do not repeat the sins of the people of Jesus’s day.
Your Kingdom Come
“Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
One of the most important sciences for our society today, is meteorology. Meteorology is used to predict the weather. One of the most important functions of meteorologist is their ability to help us prepare for the possibility of severe weather, like tornados and hurricanes. It could be devasting for the people who live near the coast if they did not know a hurricane was about to hit.
Knowing the atmospheric conditions is important for predicting the weather, but I believe predicting the spiritual atmospheric conditions of the Kingdom of Heaven is just as important for us. “You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time (presence of the Kingdom)? (Luke 12:56) That is exactly why Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders of His day. They did not recognize the spiritual atmosphere of the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus tells us to pray for the Kingdom of Heaven to come to earth, but the important question is, “Can we recognize the spiritual atmosphere of the presence of God’s Kingdom when it does come?” It is easy to confuse God’s Kingdom for religion. What we think is God, may not be God at all.
The people of Jesus’s day thought the atmosphere of the Kingdom would look and feel one way, but the reality was the Kingdom looked and felt totally different than what they were expecting. That is exactly why Jesus kept preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)
Repent means, “To have another mind.” We must think differently from the way we have thought in the past in order to participate with the spiritual working and spiritual manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven at this time. We must be able to recognize the spiritual atmospheric signs of the Kingdom of Heaven, so that we do not repeat the sins of the people of Jesus’s day.
November 25, 2024
Divided Kingdom
“But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.” (Luke 11:17)
The Kingdom of Heaven is God’s country. Every born-again believer is a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven. When we, the citizens of the Kingdom lovingly, stand in agreement with each other on the earth, God promises to powerfully respond to any request we may make (Matthew 18:20). When we are unified in God’s heart, God’s will of life and peace fills the earth (Matthew 6:9-11; 1 John 5:9-11).
When we, the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are united, the full measure of the nature and character of Holy Spirit can be released on the earth (Ephesians 4:12-16). When the full measure of the Holy Spirit is working within the Kingdom, the Fruit of the Spirit is present and working among its citizens (Galatians 5:22-23). When the unity of the citizens of the Kingdom allows the nature and character of the Holy Spirit to be expressed on the earth, the power of God is released (1 Corinthians 4:20); When the power of God is released on the earth, miracles bring life, deliverance and healing to people. When the full measure of the Holy Spirit is released on the earth, the peace of God is established among the inhabitants of the earth (Luke 1:79; 2:14; James 3:13-18).
The devil knows that a powerful manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth spells trouble for the forces of darkness. The only way the forces of darkness can stand against the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth is when the citizens of the Kingdom entertain division among us. Jesus tells us that when any kingdom is divided against itself, it “is laid waste”. The Greek Word for “laid waste” means, “To render something or someplace uninhabitable, desolate and its resources destroyed.” When we, as the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are divided among ourselves, the resources of Heaven are blocked off from our lives, families, churches and countries and as a result, the devil is free to bring death and destruction on the earth.
Let’s believe for and work to see unity in the Body of Christ. Let’s believe that God will teach and lead us in His way of unity and peace on the earth (Psalm 25:1-6).
Divided Kingdom
“But He knew their thoughts and said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls.” (Luke 11:17)
The Kingdom of Heaven is God’s country. Every born-again believer is a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven. When we, the citizens of the Kingdom lovingly, stand in agreement with each other on the earth, God promises to powerfully respond to any request we may make (Matthew 18:20). When we are unified in God’s heart, God’s will of life and peace fills the earth (Matthew 6:9-11; 1 John 5:9-11).
When we, the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are united, the full measure of the nature and character of Holy Spirit can be released on the earth (Ephesians 4:12-16). When the full measure of the Holy Spirit is working within the Kingdom, the Fruit of the Spirit is present and working among its citizens (Galatians 5:22-23). When the unity of the citizens of the Kingdom allows the nature and character of the Holy Spirit to be expressed on the earth, the power of God is released (1 Corinthians 4:20); When the power of God is released on the earth, miracles bring life, deliverance and healing to people. When the full measure of the Holy Spirit is released on the earth, the peace of God is established among the inhabitants of the earth (Luke 1:79; 2:14; James 3:13-18).
The devil knows that a powerful manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth spells trouble for the forces of darkness. The only way the forces of darkness can stand against the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth is when the citizens of the Kingdom entertain division among us. Jesus tells us that when any kingdom is divided against itself, it “is laid waste”. The Greek Word for “laid waste” means, “To render something or someplace uninhabitable, desolate and its resources destroyed.” When we, as the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are divided among ourselves, the resources of Heaven are blocked off from our lives, families, churches and countries and as a result, the devil is free to bring death and destruction on the earth.
Let’s believe for and work to see unity in the Body of Christ. Let’s believe that God will teach and lead us in His way of unity and peace on the earth (Psalm 25:1-6).
November 18, 2024 thru November 24, 2024
November 21, 2024
Seeking the City and Country of the Kingdom!
“…but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth…But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”
(Hebrews 11:13,16)
I have had the honor to travel to a good number of countries ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The more I have traveled meeting and getting to know God’s people that live in other countries, the more I realize that my true home is not the USA, but the country called, the Kingdom of God, that is in Heaven. When I travel, I deeply miss Paula, my family and close friends, but there is a part of my heart that longs for the full physical manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus told us to “seek first the His Kingdom”. That holy declaration causes us to ask, “How do I seek the country and city of God, while being empowered to make a difference in this world?”
First, there is the realization and confession that we are strangers and exiles on the earth. We are from a country and city that our God has prepared for us. We are spiritual citizens of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, while representing the Kingdom as ambassadors of Christ in this world (Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Our main priority is to be ambassadors and citizens of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven; while our secondary priority is the temporary citizenship of the country in which we live, on this earth.
Secondly, we have the privilege to be like Jesus. Jesus knew, “…the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God” (John 13:3) Jesus knew and held fast to the truth He had come from God and that He was going back to God. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are spiritually born again; we are literally born from above (John 3:3-5). God the Father is our Heavenly Father. We are like Jesus; we are from God. God the Father is our spiritual Father, from whom we are named as His sons and daughters (Ephesians 3:14-15).
Lastly, Jesus knew He was going back to God. If we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our eternal destination is with our God. When we travel, our destination determines what we seek as our values. If we were traveling to someplace cold, we would seek to prepare and value things that would enable us to live in the cold. If we were going to the warm tropics, we would seek for clothes and things that would enable us to enjoy the warm weather. Someday, all of us will be going to the spiritually physical Kingdom, being face to face with our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
As children of the King of Heaven, we are strangers and exiles on this earth. We are citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven, while living on this earth. We are born again sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We know that we will soon be enjoying the glory, majesty and splendor of God, in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. Since the spiritually physical Kingdom of Heaven is our destination, it would only make sense that we would seek things that would make our arrival in the eternal Kingdom a glorious experience.
Seeking the City and Country of the Kingdom!
“…but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth…But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”
(Hebrews 11:13,16)
I have had the honor to travel to a good number of countries ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The more I have traveled meeting and getting to know God’s people that live in other countries, the more I realize that my true home is not the USA, but the country called, the Kingdom of God, that is in Heaven. When I travel, I deeply miss Paula, my family and close friends, but there is a part of my heart that longs for the full physical manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus told us to “seek first the His Kingdom”. That holy declaration causes us to ask, “How do I seek the country and city of God, while being empowered to make a difference in this world?”
First, there is the realization and confession that we are strangers and exiles on the earth. We are from a country and city that our God has prepared for us. We are spiritual citizens of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, while representing the Kingdom as ambassadors of Christ in this world (Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Our main priority is to be ambassadors and citizens of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven; while our secondary priority is the temporary citizenship of the country in which we live, on this earth.
Secondly, we have the privilege to be like Jesus. Jesus knew, “…the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God” (John 13:3) Jesus knew and held fast to the truth He had come from God and that He was going back to God. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are spiritually born again; we are literally born from above (John 3:3-5). God the Father is our Heavenly Father. We are like Jesus; we are from God. God the Father is our spiritual Father, from whom we are named as His sons and daughters (Ephesians 3:14-15).
Lastly, Jesus knew He was going back to God. If we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, our eternal destination is with our God. When we travel, our destination determines what we seek as our values. If we were traveling to someplace cold, we would seek to prepare and value things that would enable us to live in the cold. If we were going to the warm tropics, we would seek for clothes and things that would enable us to enjoy the warm weather. Someday, all of us will be going to the spiritually physical Kingdom, being face to face with our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
As children of the King of Heaven, we are strangers and exiles on this earth. We are citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven, while living on this earth. We are born again sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We know that we will soon be enjoying the glory, majesty and splendor of God, in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. Since the spiritually physical Kingdom of Heaven is our destination, it would only make sense that we would seek things that would make our arrival in the eternal Kingdom a glorious experience.
November 21, 2024
Seeking to Love and Believe the Invisible King! Part 2
We naturally pursue things we love. The best way to empower ourselves to pursue the King and the Kingdom of Heaven is to grow in love toward Him and His Kingdom. Our ability love is directly connected to our receiving love (1 John 4:19). As we receive His love and we express it back to Him, we will grow in love.
God expresses His love and affection to us. He’s given us love letters in what we refer to as the Holy Bible (1 Timothy 1:5). The main purpose of the Bible is love. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts and minds to illuminate the written treasures contained in His Word. The Bible is not a set of religious beliefs; it is love letter from the Almighty God to us. It expresses His heart to bring us out of darkness into His wonderful light.
The written Word of God is the surest way to discover His love. So we can’t allow His Word to become some stale, intellectual, theological source, because it was written with the purpose of expressing His massive love for us.
God will also speak to us through His Holy Spirit, who is in us (John 16:13–15; Galatians 4:6). Jesus told us that we, the “sheep” of His pasture, would follow Him because we know His voice (John 10:1–5). When the Holy Spirit speaks inside us, He often sounds like a thought, but there’s a big difference between human thoughts and the Spirit of the living God speaking. Human thoughts produce human things, but the Holy Spirit leads us closer to God.
To hear the Lord’s affections—whether He speaks them quietly inside us or in the illumination of Scripture—we have to still our hearts and minds. Thirteen times in the New Testament the Lord declares, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). God wants us to hear Him all the time, constantly, as He expresses some type of love, valuing, or exhortation.
Our God is alive. He is ever present, and His Holy Spirit lives in those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ. As He communicates His affection for us, our hearts come awake and we begin to feel and express love. Remember, we love because He first loved us. When we receive His love, we’re able to love freely. We discover His love for us more and more, and new areas of love awaken in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17–18). As you sense God’s love express it back to Him in some manner.
Seeking to Love and Believe the Invisible King! Part 2
We naturally pursue things we love. The best way to empower ourselves to pursue the King and the Kingdom of Heaven is to grow in love toward Him and His Kingdom. Our ability love is directly connected to our receiving love (1 John 4:19). As we receive His love and we express it back to Him, we will grow in love.
God expresses His love and affection to us. He’s given us love letters in what we refer to as the Holy Bible (1 Timothy 1:5). The main purpose of the Bible is love. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts and minds to illuminate the written treasures contained in His Word. The Bible is not a set of religious beliefs; it is love letter from the Almighty God to us. It expresses His heart to bring us out of darkness into His wonderful light.
The written Word of God is the surest way to discover His love. So we can’t allow His Word to become some stale, intellectual, theological source, because it was written with the purpose of expressing His massive love for us.
God will also speak to us through His Holy Spirit, who is in us (John 16:13–15; Galatians 4:6). Jesus told us that we, the “sheep” of His pasture, would follow Him because we know His voice (John 10:1–5). When the Holy Spirit speaks inside us, He often sounds like a thought, but there’s a big difference between human thoughts and the Spirit of the living God speaking. Human thoughts produce human things, but the Holy Spirit leads us closer to God.
To hear the Lord’s affections—whether He speaks them quietly inside us or in the illumination of Scripture—we have to still our hearts and minds. Thirteen times in the New Testament the Lord declares, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). God wants us to hear Him all the time, constantly, as He expresses some type of love, valuing, or exhortation.
Our God is alive. He is ever present, and His Holy Spirit lives in those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ. As He communicates His affection for us, our hearts come awake and we begin to feel and express love. Remember, we love because He first loved us. When we receive His love, we’re able to love freely. We discover His love for us more and more, and new areas of love awaken in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17–18). As you sense God’s love express it back to Him in some manner.
November 20, 2024
Seeking to Love and Believe the Invisible King!
“…and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” (1 Peter 1:8)
One of the facets of seeking the Kingdom of God is seeking to love the King of the Kingdom of Heaven. The skeptic and unbelieving areas of our hearts seek to hinder us from falling in love with the invisible King. But just because we cannot see someone, or something does not mean that it does not exist. The truth of the matter is that which is unseen in this realm is more real and permanent than that which is seen (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
How do I grow in love with the one who I do not see? First, we need to understand the journey is a journey of faith. The blessing is loving and believing in whom we have not seen (John 20:29).
We need to connect with Him through the ways that He has designed for us to sense Him. The main way we sense God is in the spirit. But there is one way that He intentionally designed for us to know His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature and that is through the greatness of creation. That revelation provides a foundation for our faith to fall in love with Him.
The beauty, splendor, majesty, and power manifested in creation reflect who He is, our Creator God. In creation God has made known His invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature (Romans 1:20). When we see, hear, and feel the awesomeness and greatness of God’s creation, and we give thanks to Him for what we are sensing, love for Him and the awe of God are generated in our hearts and minds.
That’s one of the main purposes for the beauty and splendor of creation—they are the revelation of God to us. The devil knows that, so he attempts to deceive us about what creation really is. He wants us to give our affection to “mother nature,” not the Father of all creation. Creation must not become the end of our awe—but a sign that points us to the beautiful and powerful Creator.
Take a few minutes to observe creation in some manner. Allow what you are seeing, hearing, or feeling to sink into your heart and mind. Start thanking God for what you are sensing, and allow love and worship to arise in your soul. The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:1–2)
Seeking to Love and Believe the Invisible King!
“…and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” (1 Peter 1:8)
One of the facets of seeking the Kingdom of God is seeking to love the King of the Kingdom of Heaven. The skeptic and unbelieving areas of our hearts seek to hinder us from falling in love with the invisible King. But just because we cannot see someone, or something does not mean that it does not exist. The truth of the matter is that which is unseen in this realm is more real and permanent than that which is seen (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
How do I grow in love with the one who I do not see? First, we need to understand the journey is a journey of faith. The blessing is loving and believing in whom we have not seen (John 20:29).
We need to connect with Him through the ways that He has designed for us to sense Him. The main way we sense God is in the spirit. But there is one way that He intentionally designed for us to know His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature and that is through the greatness of creation. That revelation provides a foundation for our faith to fall in love with Him.
The beauty, splendor, majesty, and power manifested in creation reflect who He is, our Creator God. In creation God has made known His invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature (Romans 1:20). When we see, hear, and feel the awesomeness and greatness of God’s creation, and we give thanks to Him for what we are sensing, love for Him and the awe of God are generated in our hearts and minds.
That’s one of the main purposes for the beauty and splendor of creation—they are the revelation of God to us. The devil knows that, so he attempts to deceive us about what creation really is. He wants us to give our affection to “mother nature,” not the Father of all creation. Creation must not become the end of our awe—but a sign that points us to the beautiful and powerful Creator.
Take a few minutes to observe creation in some manner. Allow what you are seeing, hearing, or feeling to sink into your heart and mind. Start thanking God for what you are sensing, and allow love and worship to arise in your soul. The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:1–2)
November 19, 2024
Seek First the King!
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Jesus is calling us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the Kingdom of God. How do I seek God’s Kingdom? How do I practically seek something that is spiritual in nature? What am I seeking?
We established the Kingdom of God is multi-faceted. The Kingdom of God is the city and country of God; It is the rule and reign of God; The Kingdom is the culture of God and His country, Heaven; The Kingdom is the provisions of God and finally the Kingdom is the King Himself, our God. If I am seeking the Kingdom of God, I am seeking all these facets of the Kingdom.
In order to properly seek the Kingdom of God, we must begin with seeking the King, of the Kingdom. We are not seeking what the King has or does, we are seeking the King, Himself. When we are seeking the King of the Kingdom, we are seeking all the facets of the Kingdom.
James 2:5 tells us, “…to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He (God) promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5) The Kingdom of God has been lovingly and graciously been prepared for those who love God. The Kingdom is a Kingdom of love. The foundation of the Kingdom is not about having authority and ruling and reigning, it is about expressing love. The Kingdom’s purpose begins and ends with having an intimate personal relationship with the King of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The King is loving, compassionate, great, awesome, all-powerful, majestic and very, very rich. It would be easy to fall in love with someone so awesome. But our all-wise God wants the people of His Kingdom to be a people of who are a part because they love Him. His people are not a part because of what they/we can receive from Him.
He is calling us to seek Him. Seeking the King of the Kingdom is seeking to know Him and His love. Seeking the King is a journey of revelation that goes from glory to glory, faith to faith and grace upon grace.
The culmination and crescendo of the eternal Kingdom occurs when the King Himself physical and intimately dwells with those who love Him. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,” (Revelation 21:3)
Seek First the King!
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Jesus is calling us in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the Kingdom of God. How do I seek God’s Kingdom? How do I practically seek something that is spiritual in nature? What am I seeking?
We established the Kingdom of God is multi-faceted. The Kingdom of God is the city and country of God; It is the rule and reign of God; The Kingdom is the culture of God and His country, Heaven; The Kingdom is the provisions of God and finally the Kingdom is the King Himself, our God. If I am seeking the Kingdom of God, I am seeking all these facets of the Kingdom.
In order to properly seek the Kingdom of God, we must begin with seeking the King, of the Kingdom. We are not seeking what the King has or does, we are seeking the King, Himself. When we are seeking the King of the Kingdom, we are seeking all the facets of the Kingdom.
James 2:5 tells us, “…to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He (God) promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5) The Kingdom of God has been lovingly and graciously been prepared for those who love God. The Kingdom is a Kingdom of love. The foundation of the Kingdom is not about having authority and ruling and reigning, it is about expressing love. The Kingdom’s purpose begins and ends with having an intimate personal relationship with the King of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The King is loving, compassionate, great, awesome, all-powerful, majestic and very, very rich. It would be easy to fall in love with someone so awesome. But our all-wise God wants the people of His Kingdom to be a people of who are a part because they love Him. His people are not a part because of what they/we can receive from Him.
He is calling us to seek Him. Seeking the King of the Kingdom is seeking to know Him and His love. Seeking the King is a journey of revelation that goes from glory to glory, faith to faith and grace upon grace.
The culmination and crescendo of the eternal Kingdom occurs when the King Himself physical and intimately dwells with those who love Him. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,” (Revelation 21:3)
November 18, 2024
“But Seek First His…”
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
I am confident every mature United States citizen knows the phrase, “We the people of the United States…” are the first words of the preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America. In the same way, I convinced every mature born-again child of God knows the phrase “But seek first…” are the first words of Jesus’s admonition to “seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness”.
Even though every mature US citizen knows the first words of the preamble of the US constitution, I would say that there is a good percentage of US citizens, who do not know rest of the preamble, nor do they know what the rest of the preamble means. In the same way, I would guess there are a good portion of Heavenly citizens who know the first words of Matthew 6:33, but do not know what he or she are to seek. What is Jesus calling us seek as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Also, how does seeking the facets of the Kingdom impact our everyday lives?
The next few devotions will focus on helping us process the meaning and application of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Like salt can cause us to be thirsty for something to drink, let’s allow this devotion to cause us to thirst for the revelation and application of the Kingdom of God.
“But Seek First His…”
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
I am confident every mature United States citizen knows the phrase, “We the people of the United States…” are the first words of the preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America. In the same way, I convinced every mature born-again child of God knows the phrase “But seek first…” are the first words of Jesus’s admonition to “seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness”.
Even though every mature US citizen knows the first words of the preamble of the US constitution, I would say that there is a good percentage of US citizens, who do not know rest of the preamble, nor do they know what the rest of the preamble means. In the same way, I would guess there are a good portion of Heavenly citizens who know the first words of Matthew 6:33, but do not know what he or she are to seek. What is Jesus calling us seek as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Also, how does seeking the facets of the Kingdom impact our everyday lives?
The next few devotions will focus on helping us process the meaning and application of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Like salt can cause us to be thirsty for something to drink, let’s allow this devotion to cause us to thirst for the revelation and application of the Kingdom of God.
November 11, 2024 thru November 17, 2024
November 13, 2024
Betrayal of the Heart?
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
(Matthew 7:21)
The Latin phrase,“Et tu, Brute? is one of the most famous lines that has ever been quoted in a movie or play. There are people who do not know Latin or who have never read or seen anything from William Shakespeare, but they know what the phrase means. The Latin phrase,“Et tu, Brute? is translated, “You too, Brutus?” It is a line from a play William Shakespeare wrote about the death of the Roman ruler, Julius Caesar. The line is said to be the dying words of Julius Caesar after being betrayed and stabbed by his friend Brutus.
Betrayal by a friend or loved-one is a heart-breaking experience. But the most tragic type of betrayal, is when a person’s heart betrays him or her. This occurs when a person declares, “Jesus is lord” with their mouth and conscious mind, but their heart is nowhere near what they are declaring (Isaiah 29:13). When that occurs in a person, it is a terrible tragedy. The person is expecting to have eternal life in the Kingdom of God, but they find out, that is not the reality. When this occurs in someone, the person has lived life deceiving and betraying themselves.
There is a simple self-test we can do to make sure we are not betraying ourselves. To do the test, simply ask yourself, “Am I doing what I sense the Lord is saying to me?” Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Am I living life, seeking to be obedient from the heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Am I responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? The Apostle Paul tells us, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
When we are sure our hearts are submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we will never stumble and our entrance into the eternal Kingdom of God is and will be abundantly supplied to us (2 Peter 1:10-11).
Betrayal of the Heart?
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
(Matthew 7:21)
The Latin phrase,“Et tu, Brute? is one of the most famous lines that has ever been quoted in a movie or play. There are people who do not know Latin or who have never read or seen anything from William Shakespeare, but they know what the phrase means. The Latin phrase,“Et tu, Brute? is translated, “You too, Brutus?” It is a line from a play William Shakespeare wrote about the death of the Roman ruler, Julius Caesar. The line is said to be the dying words of Julius Caesar after being betrayed and stabbed by his friend Brutus.
Betrayal by a friend or loved-one is a heart-breaking experience. But the most tragic type of betrayal, is when a person’s heart betrays him or her. This occurs when a person declares, “Jesus is lord” with their mouth and conscious mind, but their heart is nowhere near what they are declaring (Isaiah 29:13). When that occurs in a person, it is a terrible tragedy. The person is expecting to have eternal life in the Kingdom of God, but they find out, that is not the reality. When this occurs in someone, the person has lived life deceiving and betraying themselves.
There is a simple self-test we can do to make sure we are not betraying ourselves. To do the test, simply ask yourself, “Am I doing what I sense the Lord is saying to me?” Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Am I living life, seeking to be obedient from the heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Am I responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? The Apostle Paul tells us, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves…” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
When we are sure our hearts are submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we will never stumble and our entrance into the eternal Kingdom of God is and will be abundantly supplied to us (2 Peter 1:10-11).
November 12, 2024
The Process of Lordship
“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (1 Peter 3:15)
In WW II the Japanese conquered most of the Pacific basin and southeast Asia. In order to repel Japanese invasion, the allies launched of series of Island invasions beginning at Guadalcanal and ending with the Japanese Island of Okinawa. In the same way the Allies progressively “island hopped” across the South Pacific to repel Japan’s invasion, the Holy Spirit progressively works in our hearts to set us free from the devil’s conquering work of sin and death. The Holy Spirit seeks to work to set us free by establishing Jesus Christ as Lord in every area of our lives.
Our freedom from the sin and death begins with the declaration and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Our confession of Jesus as Lord is the beginning and foundation of our deliverance from the dominion of the devil and our participation in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our lives and hearts are like a giant house, filled with many rooms. When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord, we are giving the “house of our lives” over to the Lordship and Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Jesus literally takes the “house of our lives” away from the authority of the devil and He begins the renovation process of our lives. (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18).
The renovation process of our lives begins when we confess Jesus as Lord of our lives, and then He lovingly comes into the foyer of our hearts. 1 Peter 3:15 and Ephesians 3:17 gives us picture of us partnering with the Holy Spirit to progressively regenerate and renovate the many rooms in our hearts. Each room in our heart represents a different area in our lives.
Jesus knocks on the door of those rooms in our hearts. He wants to come in refurnish those rooms that are dark, dirty and filled with residue of our enslavement to the devil. Jesus comes in and refurnishes the rooms of our hearts into places of love, peace, joy and abundant blessings. “‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Let’s listen for the loving “knock” of Jesus on the areas of lives. Allow His Lordship to be established; therefore, bringing in the greatness of His Kingdom.
The Process of Lordship
“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (1 Peter 3:15)
In WW II the Japanese conquered most of the Pacific basin and southeast Asia. In order to repel Japanese invasion, the allies launched of series of Island invasions beginning at Guadalcanal and ending with the Japanese Island of Okinawa. In the same way the Allies progressively “island hopped” across the South Pacific to repel Japan’s invasion, the Holy Spirit progressively works in our hearts to set us free from the devil’s conquering work of sin and death. The Holy Spirit seeks to work to set us free by establishing Jesus Christ as Lord in every area of our lives.
Our freedom from the sin and death begins with the declaration and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Our confession of Jesus as Lord is the beginning and foundation of our deliverance from the dominion of the devil and our participation in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our lives and hearts are like a giant house, filled with many rooms. When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord, we are giving the “house of our lives” over to the Lordship and Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Jesus literally takes the “house of our lives” away from the authority of the devil and He begins the renovation process of our lives. (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18).
The renovation process of our lives begins when we confess Jesus as Lord of our lives, and then He lovingly comes into the foyer of our hearts. 1 Peter 3:15 and Ephesians 3:17 gives us picture of us partnering with the Holy Spirit to progressively regenerate and renovate the many rooms in our hearts. Each room in our heart represents a different area in our lives.
Jesus knocks on the door of those rooms in our hearts. He wants to come in refurnish those rooms that are dark, dirty and filled with residue of our enslavement to the devil. Jesus comes in and refurnishes the rooms of our hearts into places of love, peace, joy and abundant blessings. “‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Let’s listen for the loving “knock” of Jesus on the areas of lives. Allow His Lordship to be established; therefore, bringing in the greatness of His Kingdom.
November 11, 2024
King or Not?
“No one can serve two masters (lord); for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)
The term mutually exclusive is a statistical term describing two or more events that cannot occur at the same time. For example, you cannot breathe in and breathe out at the same time. You cannot suck on a straw and blow through it at the same time. You cannot read and shut your eyes at the same time. You cannot win a game and lose a game at the same time. Something cannot be wet and dry at the same time.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, we cannot believe and doubt at the same time. We cannot love (hold) someone and hate (push away) the same person at the same time. We cannot obey God and rebel against God at the same time. Probably the most important mutually exclusive event in the Kingdom of Heaven is, we cannot serve two Lords at the same time. We cannot make Jesus as Lord in our lives and serve another lord. Either Jesus is Lord in our lives, or He is not.
When we are born again, we make Jesus Christ Lord of our life (Romans 10:9). At that moment all we know is that we are turning control of our lives over to Jesus. According to Jesus in the passage above, if we are not giving total control of our lives over to Jesus, we are deceiving ourselves (Matthew 7:21-23).
Sure, there is a process of growth where we discover there are things we have not yet submitted to Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). But the key is that when something is revealed, we seek to allow His lordship to fill that place.
I heard the story of a stunt man who strung a wire across the Niagara Falls. He then pushed a wheelbarrow across the falls. The gathering crowds had watched and "Ooooohed" and "Aaaaahed!" He had proven that he could do it; there was no doubt. It is said that he asked his audience, "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?" The crowd enthusiastically shouted, “yes, they believed!” It was then that the man declared something like, “If you believe, get in!”
Making Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives is like getting in the wheelbarrow. Our lives are totally in His hands. Living and operating in the Kingdom of God is getting in God’s wheelbarrow.
King or Not?
“No one can serve two masters (lord); for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)
The term mutually exclusive is a statistical term describing two or more events that cannot occur at the same time. For example, you cannot breathe in and breathe out at the same time. You cannot suck on a straw and blow through it at the same time. You cannot read and shut your eyes at the same time. You cannot win a game and lose a game at the same time. Something cannot be wet and dry at the same time.
In the Kingdom of Heaven, we cannot believe and doubt at the same time. We cannot love (hold) someone and hate (push away) the same person at the same time. We cannot obey God and rebel against God at the same time. Probably the most important mutually exclusive event in the Kingdom of Heaven is, we cannot serve two Lords at the same time. We cannot make Jesus as Lord in our lives and serve another lord. Either Jesus is Lord in our lives, or He is not.
When we are born again, we make Jesus Christ Lord of our life (Romans 10:9). At that moment all we know is that we are turning control of our lives over to Jesus. According to Jesus in the passage above, if we are not giving total control of our lives over to Jesus, we are deceiving ourselves (Matthew 7:21-23).
Sure, there is a process of growth where we discover there are things we have not yet submitted to Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). But the key is that when something is revealed, we seek to allow His lordship to fill that place.
I heard the story of a stunt man who strung a wire across the Niagara Falls. He then pushed a wheelbarrow across the falls. The gathering crowds had watched and "Ooooohed" and "Aaaaahed!" He had proven that he could do it; there was no doubt. It is said that he asked his audience, "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?" The crowd enthusiastically shouted, “yes, they believed!” It was then that the man declared something like, “If you believe, get in!”
Making Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives is like getting in the wheelbarrow. Our lives are totally in His hands. Living and operating in the Kingdom of God is getting in God’s wheelbarrow.
November 4, 2024 thru November 10, 2024
November 8, 2024
Total and Unconditional Surrender!
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
In World War II Japan totally and unconditionally surrendered to the United States and its allies. Because of Japan’s total and unconditional surrender, it allowed the United States and its allies to help Japan rebuild its country. In many ways, Japan became stronger economically and politically than they were before the war.
When we totally and unconditionally surrender to the King of the Kingdom of Heaven, it allows the fullness of the King and His Kingdom to empower our lives. When we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness it enables us to receive of the massive resources of the Kingdom of Heaven.
If Japan would have never surrendered, most likely the total island of Japan would have experienced destruction. When we refuse to totally and unconditionally surrender to the King and the Kingdom of Heaven we remain under the authority of darkness (Colossians 1:13). We are blinded to and separated from the goodness of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). Our bondage to the deeds of our flesh brings unrest and destruction into our lives (Romans 8:6-ff). If we refuse the King of king’s terms of surrender, an eternal destiny of torment in Hell alongside the devil and his demons will be ours. But praise God, when we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, eternal life is ours.
Even after we accept Jesus Christ’s lordship and salvation, there are isolated areas in our hearts that we have not surrendered over the Kingdom. In those areas of our hearts, we do not seek first the Kingdom, but we seek our will and ways. But praise God, the Holy Spirit is lovingly and tenderly leading us to totally surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15). When we totally and unconditionally surrender to the King and His Kingdom, the blessings and the provisions of the Kingdom of Heaven are ours in this age, and the age to come.
Total and Unconditional Surrender!
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
In World War II Japan totally and unconditionally surrendered to the United States and its allies. Because of Japan’s total and unconditional surrender, it allowed the United States and its allies to help Japan rebuild its country. In many ways, Japan became stronger economically and politically than they were before the war.
When we totally and unconditionally surrender to the King of the Kingdom of Heaven, it allows the fullness of the King and His Kingdom to empower our lives. When we seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness it enables us to receive of the massive resources of the Kingdom of Heaven.
If Japan would have never surrendered, most likely the total island of Japan would have experienced destruction. When we refuse to totally and unconditionally surrender to the King and the Kingdom of Heaven we remain under the authority of darkness (Colossians 1:13). We are blinded to and separated from the goodness of God (2 Corinthians 4:4). Our bondage to the deeds of our flesh brings unrest and destruction into our lives (Romans 8:6-ff). If we refuse the King of king’s terms of surrender, an eternal destiny of torment in Hell alongside the devil and his demons will be ours. But praise God, when we surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, eternal life is ours.
Even after we accept Jesus Christ’s lordship and salvation, there are isolated areas in our hearts that we have not surrendered over the Kingdom. In those areas of our hearts, we do not seek first the Kingdom, but we seek our will and ways. But praise God, the Holy Spirit is lovingly and tenderly leading us to totally surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15). When we totally and unconditionally surrender to the King and His Kingdom, the blessings and the provisions of the Kingdom of Heaven are ours in this age, and the age to come.
November 7, 2024
Reality?
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
It has always amazed me that a massive Boeing 747 filled with people and luggage could fly. For the massive Boeing 747 to take off, it needs to travel down the runway at a speed of 180 miles per hour. When the pilot of a Boeing 747 is sitting at the end of a runway, it takes faith to push the throttle forward to get the plane going fast enough to take off. The pilot believes that when he gets the plane going fast enough that the “reality” of the unseen laws of aerodynamics will cause the physical plane to rise into the air and fly.
The reality of the unseen Kingdom of Heaven can empower us to proverbially fly over the things in this would that seek to hold us down. Before we can we fly in the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven, our hearts have to embrace the spiritual reality that the Kingdom of Heaven exist.
When Jesus Christ was standing before Pontius Pilate, He declared His Kingdom was not of this realm. In that statement Jesus was declaring that His Kingdom was a spiritual kingdom. The God of the Kingdom of Heaven is a spiritual being and everything He has is spiritual. The physical realm was made by the unseen spiritual resource of God’s Word (Hebrews 11:3).
Scripture tells us the unseen spiritual realm is more real and is longer lasting, than the visible physical realm (2 Corinthians 4:18). The spiritual Kingdom of Heaven operates on the principle of faith. At this time, the God-given gift of faith enables us to live in the Kingdom of Heaven. Our faith enables rule and reign of God to direct our lives. Our faith enables the glorious resources of the Kingdom of Heaven to be released in our lives. Our faith releases the power of the Kingdom of God into our lives, therefore, enabling us to fly over the problems and sufferings that this world puts before us.
Like a “spiritual” airline pilot, allow the reality the unseen Kingdom of Heaven to fill your heart so that you can push forward the throttle of your faith and victoriously live out of the presence and resources of the Kingdom of our God.
Reality?
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
It has always amazed me that a massive Boeing 747 filled with people and luggage could fly. For the massive Boeing 747 to take off, it needs to travel down the runway at a speed of 180 miles per hour. When the pilot of a Boeing 747 is sitting at the end of a runway, it takes faith to push the throttle forward to get the plane going fast enough to take off. The pilot believes that when he gets the plane going fast enough that the “reality” of the unseen laws of aerodynamics will cause the physical plane to rise into the air and fly.
The reality of the unseen Kingdom of Heaven can empower us to proverbially fly over the things in this would that seek to hold us down. Before we can we fly in the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven, our hearts have to embrace the spiritual reality that the Kingdom of Heaven exist.
When Jesus Christ was standing before Pontius Pilate, He declared His Kingdom was not of this realm. In that statement Jesus was declaring that His Kingdom was a spiritual kingdom. The God of the Kingdom of Heaven is a spiritual being and everything He has is spiritual. The physical realm was made by the unseen spiritual resource of God’s Word (Hebrews 11:3).
Scripture tells us the unseen spiritual realm is more real and is longer lasting, than the visible physical realm (2 Corinthians 4:18). The spiritual Kingdom of Heaven operates on the principle of faith. At this time, the God-given gift of faith enables us to live in the Kingdom of Heaven. Our faith enables rule and reign of God to direct our lives. Our faith enables the glorious resources of the Kingdom of Heaven to be released in our lives. Our faith releases the power of the Kingdom of God into our lives, therefore, enabling us to fly over the problems and sufferings that this world puts before us.
Like a “spiritual” airline pilot, allow the reality the unseen Kingdom of Heaven to fill your heart so that you can push forward the throttle of your faith and victoriously live out of the presence and resources of the Kingdom of our God.
November 5, 2024
The Fragrant Culture of the Kingdom of Heaven!
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
I was raised up in Florida and in our yard we had significant number Orange trees growing in it. In the spring when the Orange blossoms would bloom, I enjoyed walking among the Orange trees, smelling the pleasant fragrance of the tiny beautiful flower. The scent of the Orange blossom is so beautiful that is used to make a perfume. The pleasant fragrance of the Orange blossom made me aware of the presence of the Orange trees in our yard.
The fragrance of the Holy Spirit is like the Orange blossom to the Kingdom of Heaven. The driving force of the Kingdom of Heaven is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit establishes the culture of the Kingdom. Wherever the Kingdom is, the Holy Spirit is present. Wherever the Holy Spirit is, the Fruit of the Spirit will manifest the emotional fragrance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith and self-control. The presence of the Kingdom of Heaven spiritually manifesting itself, can be sensed through emotional expressions of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The aroma of the presence of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit is not just given for us to enjoy, it is given to establish the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven. God invites us to live our lives allowing the aroma of the Kingdom of Heaven to manifest in and around us.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to establish the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives, the force of the Fruit of the Spirit empowers us to love God, love others, victoriously push aside the temptations of sin and overcome the obstacles in this world. Let God’s Kingdom come and His will be done in our hearts and lives, like it is in Heaven!
The Fragrant Culture of the Kingdom of Heaven!
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
I was raised up in Florida and in our yard we had significant number Orange trees growing in it. In the spring when the Orange blossoms would bloom, I enjoyed walking among the Orange trees, smelling the pleasant fragrance of the tiny beautiful flower. The scent of the Orange blossom is so beautiful that is used to make a perfume. The pleasant fragrance of the Orange blossom made me aware of the presence of the Orange trees in our yard.
The fragrance of the Holy Spirit is like the Orange blossom to the Kingdom of Heaven. The driving force of the Kingdom of Heaven is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit establishes the culture of the Kingdom. Wherever the Kingdom is, the Holy Spirit is present. Wherever the Holy Spirit is, the Fruit of the Spirit will manifest the emotional fragrance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith and self-control. The presence of the Kingdom of Heaven spiritually manifesting itself, can be sensed through emotional expressions of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The aroma of the presence of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit is not just given for us to enjoy, it is given to establish the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven. God invites us to live our lives allowing the aroma of the Kingdom of Heaven to manifest in and around us.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to establish the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives, the force of the Fruit of the Spirit empowers us to love God, love others, victoriously push aside the temptations of sin and overcome the obstacles in this world. Let God’s Kingdom come and His will be done in our hearts and lives, like it is in Heaven!
November 4, 2024
The Culture of Opposites
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1–4)
As the 2024 Presidential election comes to a close, it is interesting to note how the political structure of the world is totally opposite to the political structure of the Kingdom of Heaven. The way a person who becomes great in the world’s political systems is opposite to the way a person becomes great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the world’s political systems, the persons who are the most seen and dominating are the ones who usually become the foremost. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is the ones who are the most childlike and humble who become the greatest. Could you imagine a political structure in this world where the political candidates complimented and honored each other, while seeking to hear, instead of being heard (James 1:19; Romans 12:10).
In the world, the person who strives to be the first are the ones who usually become first. But in the Kingdom of Heaven those who are first in this world can be the ones who are last in the Kingdom. In the Kingdom the ones who are last are the ones who will be first (Matthew 19:20).
In the world the ones who have the most authority are the ones who rule the most and are usually first. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, the ones who serve the most are the ones who will be the greatest, the first and will rule (Matthew 20:25-28).
In the world, the ones who are the most gifted and most seen are the ones who receive the most honor and recognition. In the Kingdom of Heaven, the ones who “seem” to be the least gifted and unseen are the ones who God gives more honor (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).
In the world the ones who are dominating and overpowering are usually the ones who inherit and conquer the world. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is the meek and the gentle who will inherit and dominate (Matthew 5:5).
The world projects hate and uses deception, while the Kingdom of Heaven uses love and declares truth. The world declares the faults and weaknesses of the opponents, while the ones who are of the Kingdom of Heaven cover faults and weaknesses.
One time I had a spiritual confrontation with a satanist. During the confrontation, the satanist started spouting out the Beatitudes of Satan. It was interesting to me how satanism was so opposite to that of the Kingdom of the Most High God. It was also interesting to me how the power of God overcame and dominated that which sought to overcome and dominate. Thank the Lord, the satanist miraculously accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was delivered from her bondage.
I could on and on declaring how opposite the world system is from the Kingdom of Heaven. It is important for us to renew our minds to the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven, because it is the political and governmental system that will soon rule this world. The kingdom of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and King and He will establish the culture of His Kingdom (Revelation 11:15).
The Culture of Opposites
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1–4)
As the 2024 Presidential election comes to a close, it is interesting to note how the political structure of the world is totally opposite to the political structure of the Kingdom of Heaven. The way a person who becomes great in the world’s political systems is opposite to the way a person becomes great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the world’s political systems, the persons who are the most seen and dominating are the ones who usually become the foremost. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is the ones who are the most childlike and humble who become the greatest. Could you imagine a political structure in this world where the political candidates complimented and honored each other, while seeking to hear, instead of being heard (James 1:19; Romans 12:10).
In the world, the person who strives to be the first are the ones who usually become first. But in the Kingdom of Heaven those who are first in this world can be the ones who are last in the Kingdom. In the Kingdom the ones who are last are the ones who will be first (Matthew 19:20).
In the world the ones who have the most authority are the ones who rule the most and are usually first. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, the ones who serve the most are the ones who will be the greatest, the first and will rule (Matthew 20:25-28).
In the world, the ones who are the most gifted and most seen are the ones who receive the most honor and recognition. In the Kingdom of Heaven, the ones who “seem” to be the least gifted and unseen are the ones who God gives more honor (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).
In the world the ones who are dominating and overpowering are usually the ones who inherit and conquer the world. But in the Kingdom of Heaven, it is the meek and the gentle who will inherit and dominate (Matthew 5:5).
The world projects hate and uses deception, while the Kingdom of Heaven uses love and declares truth. The world declares the faults and weaknesses of the opponents, while the ones who are of the Kingdom of Heaven cover faults and weaknesses.
One time I had a spiritual confrontation with a satanist. During the confrontation, the satanist started spouting out the Beatitudes of Satan. It was interesting to me how satanism was so opposite to that of the Kingdom of the Most High God. It was also interesting to me how the power of God overcame and dominated that which sought to overcome and dominate. Thank the Lord, the satanist miraculously accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was delivered from her bondage.
I could on and on declaring how opposite the world system is from the Kingdom of Heaven. It is important for us to renew our minds to the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven, because it is the political and governmental system that will soon rule this world. The kingdom of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and King and He will establish the culture of His Kingdom (Revelation 11:15).
October 21, 2024 thru October 27, 2024
October 25, 2024
Lord, Your Kingdom, (Your country and city, Your rule and reign, Your culture, Your provisions and You, Yourself) come; Your will be done, on this earth (My heart, my life, my family, my church, my state, my country) right now, in this time, as it is in Heaven! Let Heaven come!
Lord, Your Kingdom, (Your country and city, Your rule and reign, Your culture, Your provisions and You, Yourself) come; Your will be done, on this earth (My heart, my life, my family, my church, my state, my country) right now, in this time, as it is in Heaven! Let Heaven come!
October 24, 2024
Spiritual Atomic Bombs!
“I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”” (Luke 7:28)
During World War II United States Air Force dropped millions and millions of tons of conventional bombs on the Axis powers of Germany, Japan and Italy. The destruction that was caused by those bombings was massive. In order for the Air Force to drop all those bombs, it took millions of sorties. Yet only two atomic bombs completely destroyed two cities and killed over two hundred thousand people in Japan. The power of one conventional bomb is far, far less than the power of one atomic bomb.
As born-again believers of Jesus Christ, we are the atomic bombs of the spiritual realm. Jesus told us that someone born again into the Kingdom of God is greater than the greatest Old Covenant prophet, John the Baptist. One born again believer in Jesus Christ is far greater in power and resources than all of the Old Testament saints put together. The resources in the New Testament salvation that empowers us to be born again is so great the Old Testament prophets searched and inquired about it (1 Peter 1:10-12). In fact, even the angels of God longed to see the salvation that enables us to be born again.
When we believe in our hearts God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are born again (Romans 10:9). When we are born-again the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we are born again, the resurrection power of God, transforms our spirits, from death into life and righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-23). Jesus told us the power that is in us, is so great that the works He did, we can do also (John 14:12-14). Because our spirits are made new, we can spiritually go into Heaven and approach the throne of God so that we can receive mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16). As born-again believers, we have been given the right to become children of the Most High God (John 1:12). We are not slaves or servants; we are heirs of the King of the Kingdom of Heaven (Galatians 4:6-7). We are citizens and ambassadors of the Most powerful Kingdom that has ever existed or will ever exist (2 Corinthians 5:20; Philippians 3:20). Since God is in us and for us, who or what can be against us?
As born-again believers of Jesus Christ, all we have to do is allow the truth and glory of this salvation permeate our hearts and minds. As we allow the truth and glory of the full salvation of Jesus Christ to fill our hearts and minds, we will be transformed into the very image and likeness of Jesus. The Apostle Paul declared; we have a great treasure in our earthly bodies. With that truth in mind, let’s not take for granted all that have been given us as sons and daughters of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Spiritual Atomic Bombs!
“I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”” (Luke 7:28)
During World War II United States Air Force dropped millions and millions of tons of conventional bombs on the Axis powers of Germany, Japan and Italy. The destruction that was caused by those bombings was massive. In order for the Air Force to drop all those bombs, it took millions of sorties. Yet only two atomic bombs completely destroyed two cities and killed over two hundred thousand people in Japan. The power of one conventional bomb is far, far less than the power of one atomic bomb.
As born-again believers of Jesus Christ, we are the atomic bombs of the spiritual realm. Jesus told us that someone born again into the Kingdom of God is greater than the greatest Old Covenant prophet, John the Baptist. One born again believer in Jesus Christ is far greater in power and resources than all of the Old Testament saints put together. The resources in the New Testament salvation that empowers us to be born again is so great the Old Testament prophets searched and inquired about it (1 Peter 1:10-12). In fact, even the angels of God longed to see the salvation that enables us to be born again.
When we believe in our hearts God raised Jesus from the dead and confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are born again (Romans 10:9). When we are born-again the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). When we are born again, the resurrection power of God, transforms our spirits, from death into life and righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-23). Jesus told us the power that is in us, is so great that the works He did, we can do also (John 14:12-14). Because our spirits are made new, we can spiritually go into Heaven and approach the throne of God so that we can receive mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16). As born-again believers, we have been given the right to become children of the Most High God (John 1:12). We are not slaves or servants; we are heirs of the King of the Kingdom of Heaven (Galatians 4:6-7). We are citizens and ambassadors of the Most powerful Kingdom that has ever existed or will ever exist (2 Corinthians 5:20; Philippians 3:20). Since God is in us and for us, who or what can be against us?
As born-again believers of Jesus Christ, all we have to do is allow the truth and glory of this salvation permeate our hearts and minds. As we allow the truth and glory of the full salvation of Jesus Christ to fill our hearts and minds, we will be transformed into the very image and likeness of Jesus. The Apostle Paul declared; we have a great treasure in our earthly bodies. With that truth in mind, let’s not take for granted all that have been given us as sons and daughters of the Kingdom of Heaven.
October 24, 2024
Inside-Out
“Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst (Lit. within).”
(Luke 17:20–21)
The detonation of an atomic bomb is powerful and overwhelming. What is amazing to me about an atomic bomb, is its massive explosion begins with the splitting of a single atom. Something so big and powerful begins with the splitting of the smallest unit of matter in the physical realm.
The manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven is just like an atomic explosion. Jesus told us in the passage above, the Kingdom of God will begin within us, within our hearts.
When the Kingdom fully manifest, every facet of human existence and spiritual existence will be ruled and influenced by the Kingdom of Heaven. Even though the Kingdom will rule and influence everything, it begins in the smallest place of a human heart. The human heart is the smallest place where authority is received and expressed. Our human hearts are where God seeks to begin the explosion of the Kingdom of Heaven (1 Peter 3:15; Romans 10:9).
The Kingdom of Heaven is the rule, the reign and influence of the Most High God in the spiritual realm and in every facet of the physical realm. The rule and reign of God in the Kingdom of Heaven is so great, that if it fully manifests in this world in physical form, we would be overwhelmed.
Think about it, there is a time in the future when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 14:10-12; Philippians 2:9-11). That is not a time when human beings and spiritual beings will have a choice about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That is time when the power, lordship and dominion of the King of kings will be so overwhelming, that literally every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Our God is loving and full of wisdom. He wants us to be able to choose to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven. That is why Jesus told the Pharisees the Kingdom of God will come within you.
The Kingdom of Heaven comes in the rule and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. At this time, we have the choice whether or not we will submit our hearts to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Receiving the Lordship of Jesus now, allows us to participate with Him in the blessings and the greatness of the Kingdom of Heaven. To resist the Lordship of Jesus now, will be catastrophic in the future, when the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God fully manifest.
Inside-Out
“Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst (Lit. within).”
(Luke 17:20–21)
The detonation of an atomic bomb is powerful and overwhelming. What is amazing to me about an atomic bomb, is its massive explosion begins with the splitting of a single atom. Something so big and powerful begins with the splitting of the smallest unit of matter in the physical realm.
The manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven is just like an atomic explosion. Jesus told us in the passage above, the Kingdom of God will begin within us, within our hearts.
When the Kingdom fully manifest, every facet of human existence and spiritual existence will be ruled and influenced by the Kingdom of Heaven. Even though the Kingdom will rule and influence everything, it begins in the smallest place of a human heart. The human heart is the smallest place where authority is received and expressed. Our human hearts are where God seeks to begin the explosion of the Kingdom of Heaven (1 Peter 3:15; Romans 10:9).
The Kingdom of Heaven is the rule, the reign and influence of the Most High God in the spiritual realm and in every facet of the physical realm. The rule and reign of God in the Kingdom of Heaven is so great, that if it fully manifests in this world in physical form, we would be overwhelmed.
Think about it, there is a time in the future when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord (Romans 14:10-12; Philippians 2:9-11). That is not a time when human beings and spiritual beings will have a choice about the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That is time when the power, lordship and dominion of the King of kings will be so overwhelming, that literally every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Our God is loving and full of wisdom. He wants us to be able to choose to participate in the Kingdom of Heaven. That is why Jesus told the Pharisees the Kingdom of God will come within you.
The Kingdom of Heaven comes in the rule and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. At this time, we have the choice whether or not we will submit our hearts to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Receiving the Lordship of Jesus now, allows us to participate with Him in the blessings and the greatness of the Kingdom of Heaven. To resist the Lordship of Jesus now, will be catastrophic in the future, when the rule and reign of the Kingdom of God fully manifest.
October 23, 2024
Surprise!
“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”” (John 18:37)
If you remember there are at least five facets of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the last few devotions we have been focusing on the Kingdom of Heaven as a country. One of the other facets of the Kingdom is the rule and reign of God. When there is a Kingdom, there is a king and his dominion. Jesus Christ is the King and His direct dominion at this time, is the Kingdom of Heaven. Seeing Jesus as the resurrected King of kings and Lord of lords can be a great surprise.
As a kid I remember going to church and seeing the pictures of people’s opinions about Jesus Christ identity. The pictures that stick out in my mind are the ones of Jesus being a humble and meek shepherd. Jesus is a faithful and loving shepherd, but at this present time He is so much more than just a shepherd. Jesus is the King, exalted and glorious (Revelation 4 & 5). There is a massive contrast about His present identity as the exalted King and my Sunday School pictures of a gentle and meek shepherd.
When the Jews brought Jesus before Pontus Pilate, he was surprised when he realized that Jesus was a King. That revelation was why he tried to get the Jews to release Jesus (John 18:37-ff). The problem for Pilate was that the fear of the Jews overcame his realization that Jesus was a king. I am sure that Pilate was greatly surprised when he died, and the reality of what he did before King Jesus was eternally clear.
One of the places we see this contrast in scripture is in the writings of the Apostle John. In the Gospel of John, we see John lovingly leaning on Jesus’s breast (John 13:23). But in the Book of Revelation, we see John on the island of Patmos. Isolated on the island, John was overwhelmingly surprised when he saw the resurrected, King of kings. When John saw and heard King Jesus, he fell at the Kings feet as a dead man. He was overwhelmed at the presence and reality of Jesus as King and Lord. When Jesus walked on the earth, He emptied Himself and veiled His full identity as King. But on the Island of Patmos, John fully realized the greatness of His King.
One night many years ago, I was alone in bed meditating on the Lord as I was trying to go to sleep. The room was completely dark, and my eyes were closed. All of sudden I heard a loud voice inside my head say, “Open your eyes and you can see Jesus!” I was shocked, because I had been saying how much I wanted to see Jesus. But for some crazy reason, my mind began to be filled with the awesome character and attributes of Jesus. The more I laid in the bed with my eyes closed, the more my mind was filled with the greatness of the King. As a result, a reverent fear and intimidation filled my heart and mind. The emotion of reverence and awe reached an overwhelming crescendo in my soul and I loudly yelled, “No!”. As I yelled, I pulled the covers up over my head. I do not know if Jesus was standing there or not. But one thing I do know, I gained a realization of the greatness of Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
So that we will not be surprised one day at His greatness, I believe it is important for us know in our hearts that there is a Kingdom and the Kingdom is being expressed in the rule and reign of the Most High God.
Surprise!
“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”” (John 18:37)
If you remember there are at least five facets of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the last few devotions we have been focusing on the Kingdom of Heaven as a country. One of the other facets of the Kingdom is the rule and reign of God. When there is a Kingdom, there is a king and his dominion. Jesus Christ is the King and His direct dominion at this time, is the Kingdom of Heaven. Seeing Jesus as the resurrected King of kings and Lord of lords can be a great surprise.
As a kid I remember going to church and seeing the pictures of people’s opinions about Jesus Christ identity. The pictures that stick out in my mind are the ones of Jesus being a humble and meek shepherd. Jesus is a faithful and loving shepherd, but at this present time He is so much more than just a shepherd. Jesus is the King, exalted and glorious (Revelation 4 & 5). There is a massive contrast about His present identity as the exalted King and my Sunday School pictures of a gentle and meek shepherd.
When the Jews brought Jesus before Pontus Pilate, he was surprised when he realized that Jesus was a King. That revelation was why he tried to get the Jews to release Jesus (John 18:37-ff). The problem for Pilate was that the fear of the Jews overcame his realization that Jesus was a king. I am sure that Pilate was greatly surprised when he died, and the reality of what he did before King Jesus was eternally clear.
One of the places we see this contrast in scripture is in the writings of the Apostle John. In the Gospel of John, we see John lovingly leaning on Jesus’s breast (John 13:23). But in the Book of Revelation, we see John on the island of Patmos. Isolated on the island, John was overwhelmingly surprised when he saw the resurrected, King of kings. When John saw and heard King Jesus, he fell at the Kings feet as a dead man. He was overwhelmed at the presence and reality of Jesus as King and Lord. When Jesus walked on the earth, He emptied Himself and veiled His full identity as King. But on the Island of Patmos, John fully realized the greatness of His King.
One night many years ago, I was alone in bed meditating on the Lord as I was trying to go to sleep. The room was completely dark, and my eyes were closed. All of sudden I heard a loud voice inside my head say, “Open your eyes and you can see Jesus!” I was shocked, because I had been saying how much I wanted to see Jesus. But for some crazy reason, my mind began to be filled with the awesome character and attributes of Jesus. The more I laid in the bed with my eyes closed, the more my mind was filled with the greatness of the King. As a result, a reverent fear and intimidation filled my heart and mind. The emotion of reverence and awe reached an overwhelming crescendo in my soul and I loudly yelled, “No!”. As I yelled, I pulled the covers up over my head. I do not know if Jesus was standing there or not. But one thing I do know, I gained a realization of the greatness of Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
So that we will not be surprised one day at His greatness, I believe it is important for us know in our hearts that there is a Kingdom and the Kingdom is being expressed in the rule and reign of the Most High God.
October 22, 2024
Unshakeable Kingdom
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show (Lit. have) gratitude (grace), by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe…” (Hebrews 12:28)
One of the negative things about this physical world we live in, is everything that is a part of this world can be shaken or will be shaken at some point in time. The United States economy has been shaken a number of times down through the years. Recently there were precious people who built their dream homes on or near a mountain, only to experience the shaking of a storm that destroyed or severely damaged their homes. I could go on and on about assets and resources in this world that were seemingly certain and unshakeable, only to find that later on a shaking occurred that caused a loss.
The devil likes for us to attach the hope of our hearts in a person, place or thing. Once we make that attachment, then he likes to shake or remove that person, place or thing from our lives. When our hope is shaken, we can easily lose our joy, peace and love, and despair can fill our lives.
But praise God, the Kingdom of our God, cannot, nor will not ever be shaken. When we surrendered our lives into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, we received His Kingdom; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Receiving His Lordship is receiving His unshakeable Kingdom.
When we enduringly attach our hope into the eternal all-powerful King, we cannot be shaken into despair. Sure, there are obstacles we face in this world. But our God promises to turn those obstacles, to our good. The shaking the devil is using to cause us despair; because of the Kingdom of God, is really an opportunity for our good.
Our lives are like a really nice fruit drink. When a fruit drink sits still, all of the delicious fruit settles to the bottom of the bottle. In order to get the full pleasure of the drink, you have to vigorously shake the drink. The shaking does not destroy the drink. The shaking brings the fullness of the drink out. When the devil seeks to shake us, the rule and reign of our King promises to bring the fullness of His grace and mercy in our lives. His mercy and grace causes good to come out of the shaking.
Unshakeable Kingdom
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show (Lit. have) gratitude (grace), by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe…” (Hebrews 12:28)
One of the negative things about this physical world we live in, is everything that is a part of this world can be shaken or will be shaken at some point in time. The United States economy has been shaken a number of times down through the years. Recently there were precious people who built their dream homes on or near a mountain, only to experience the shaking of a storm that destroyed or severely damaged their homes. I could go on and on about assets and resources in this world that were seemingly certain and unshakeable, only to find that later on a shaking occurred that caused a loss.
The devil likes for us to attach the hope of our hearts in a person, place or thing. Once we make that attachment, then he likes to shake or remove that person, place or thing from our lives. When our hope is shaken, we can easily lose our joy, peace and love, and despair can fill our lives.
But praise God, the Kingdom of our God, cannot, nor will not ever be shaken. When we surrendered our lives into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, we received His Kingdom; a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Receiving His Lordship is receiving His unshakeable Kingdom.
When we enduringly attach our hope into the eternal all-powerful King, we cannot be shaken into despair. Sure, there are obstacles we face in this world. But our God promises to turn those obstacles, to our good. The shaking the devil is using to cause us despair; because of the Kingdom of God, is really an opportunity for our good.
Our lives are like a really nice fruit drink. When a fruit drink sits still, all of the delicious fruit settles to the bottom of the bottle. In order to get the full pleasure of the drink, you have to vigorously shake the drink. The shaking does not destroy the drink. The shaking brings the fullness of the drink out. When the devil seeks to shake us, the rule and reign of our King promises to bring the fullness of His grace and mercy in our lives. His mercy and grace causes good to come out of the shaking.
October 21, 2024
A Picture of the Kingdom of Heaven!
Imagine you are traveling with someone to a foreign city you have never been at before. Your travel partner is from your upcoming destination. In order to give you a picture of your future destination, your partner begins to describe the people you will meet and the city you will see. That is exactly what the Holy Spirit did in Hebrews 12:22–23, when He gave us a written picture of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is my personalized interpretation and picture of this passage.
When we are spiritually born again, we come to Mount Zion. Mount Zion is the prophetic picture of the grace-filled New Covenant (Galatians 4;21-31). Mount Zion is the Throne of Grace, the Most Holy place, where we can intimately be with our God (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19). Mount Zion is in the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. The Heavenly Jerusalem is of immense size and glorious beauty splendor (Revelation 21:10-27).
The Heavenly Jerusalem is filled with myriads of angels. Some of these angels were the ones who ministered to you and protected you during your time on earth (Hebrews 1:14; 13:2). In the center of the Heavenly city, you will come to the general assembly. It is a glorious and joyous place filled with the and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven. It is assembly of the saints, who have confessed and declared the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They are rejoicing in the glory, honor and power of their God. In the middle of this festive celebration is, God, the Father, the Judge of all. His all-powerful and holy presence fills everything with His love, joy and life. The light of His presence causes every thought, word or action to come into the light. Because everything is brought into the light, immediately justice and righteousness manifest (Psalm 89:14). God’s heart in His justice, is for His people to receive the praise and reward of their lives on the earth (1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 John 4:17).
You will also see the spiritual presence of the spirits of the righteous made perfect. The spirits of the ones made perfect are the ones who are still alive on the earth. When they pray or worship their God, spiritually they come into Mount Zion (Hebrews 10:19-23). They are able to spiritually come into the Heavenly Kingdom through person and work of Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. All of Heaven and creation falls at the feet of Jesus, declaring His greatness and giving thanks for His loving sacrifice (Revelation 4, 5). The spirits of those who you will see, are made perfect by the sprinkled blood of Jesus, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. It is Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that perfects our lives (Hebrews 10:10-14).
I pray my personalized description of the Kingdom of Heaven in Hebrews 12:22-24 will inspire and encourage you. Of course, it is what I understand the components this glorious passage is describing.
A Picture of the Kingdom of Heaven!
Imagine you are traveling with someone to a foreign city you have never been at before. Your travel partner is from your upcoming destination. In order to give you a picture of your future destination, your partner begins to describe the people you will meet and the city you will see. That is exactly what the Holy Spirit did in Hebrews 12:22–23, when He gave us a written picture of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is my personalized interpretation and picture of this passage.
When we are spiritually born again, we come to Mount Zion. Mount Zion is the prophetic picture of the grace-filled New Covenant (Galatians 4;21-31). Mount Zion is the Throne of Grace, the Most Holy place, where we can intimately be with our God (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19). Mount Zion is in the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. The Heavenly Jerusalem is of immense size and glorious beauty splendor (Revelation 21:10-27).
The Heavenly Jerusalem is filled with myriads of angels. Some of these angels were the ones who ministered to you and protected you during your time on earth (Hebrews 1:14; 13:2). In the center of the Heavenly city, you will come to the general assembly. It is a glorious and joyous place filled with the and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven. It is assembly of the saints, who have confessed and declared the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They are rejoicing in the glory, honor and power of their God. In the middle of this festive celebration is, God, the Father, the Judge of all. His all-powerful and holy presence fills everything with His love, joy and life. The light of His presence causes every thought, word or action to come into the light. Because everything is brought into the light, immediately justice and righteousness manifest (Psalm 89:14). God’s heart in His justice, is for His people to receive the praise and reward of their lives on the earth (1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 John 4:17).
You will also see the spiritual presence of the spirits of the righteous made perfect. The spirits of the ones made perfect are the ones who are still alive on the earth. When they pray or worship their God, spiritually they come into Mount Zion (Hebrews 10:19-23). They are able to spiritually come into the Heavenly Kingdom through person and work of Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. All of Heaven and creation falls at the feet of Jesus, declaring His greatness and giving thanks for His loving sacrifice (Revelation 4, 5). The spirits of those who you will see, are made perfect by the sprinkled blood of Jesus, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. It is Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that perfects our lives (Hebrews 10:10-14).
I pray my personalized description of the Kingdom of Heaven in Hebrews 12:22-24 will inspire and encourage you. Of course, it is what I understand the components this glorious passage is describing.
October 21, 2024 thru October 27, 2024
October 17, 2024
The life and culture of the Kingdom of God
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
As I have traveled to different countries around the world, one of the things that was always interesting to me, was how the different the religions and governments of each country would generate different cultures and lifestyles. Some governments caused the infrastructure of their country to be ordered and clean, whereas some governments allowed the infrastructure to be dirty and disorderly. I also noticed how the dominate religion of some countries would generate a lifestyle and culture where the people were caring and concerned, whereas the religion of some countries caused people to be suspicious and distant. As Jesus Christ and His disciples taught and wrote about the Kingdom of Heaven, they revealed there was and is a unique culture and lifestyle in the manifestation of the Kingdom.
In our introductory verse, we see the Kingdom of God is not about the religious order of external actions, but about the righteous, peaceful and joyous expressions of the hearts of its God and people. Jesus told us humility was the dominate attitude of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:4). Jesus also told us a heart that is tender and compassionate like a child was the heart of the Kingdom (Matthew 18:4). In James 2:5, we discover that the Kingdom of God empowers hearts to be rich in faith. The Kingdom of God is also Kingdom that is rich in mercy, quick and ready to forgive those who seek forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–23). The heart of the King of the Kingdom of Heaven is to not be distant from His citizens, but He longs to be intimately involved with each citizen. The King declares, all would intimately know the King, from the least to the greatest (Revelation 21:3, Hebrews 8:11). There are no VIPs in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3).
Conversely, sinful, unloving, dishonest and destructive lifestyles are not and will not be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The dominate culture and life of the Kingdom of God is the beauty of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control. Any culture and lifestyle that does not generate the beauty and the purity of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, is not associated with the Kingdom of Heaven.
The life and culture of the Kingdom of God
“…for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
As I have traveled to different countries around the world, one of the things that was always interesting to me, was how the different the religions and governments of each country would generate different cultures and lifestyles. Some governments caused the infrastructure of their country to be ordered and clean, whereas some governments allowed the infrastructure to be dirty and disorderly. I also noticed how the dominate religion of some countries would generate a lifestyle and culture where the people were caring and concerned, whereas the religion of some countries caused people to be suspicious and distant. As Jesus Christ and His disciples taught and wrote about the Kingdom of Heaven, they revealed there was and is a unique culture and lifestyle in the manifestation of the Kingdom.
In our introductory verse, we see the Kingdom of God is not about the religious order of external actions, but about the righteous, peaceful and joyous expressions of the hearts of its God and people. Jesus told us humility was the dominate attitude of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:4). Jesus also told us a heart that is tender and compassionate like a child was the heart of the Kingdom (Matthew 18:4). In James 2:5, we discover that the Kingdom of God empowers hearts to be rich in faith. The Kingdom of God is also Kingdom that is rich in mercy, quick and ready to forgive those who seek forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–23). The heart of the King of the Kingdom of Heaven is to not be distant from His citizens, but He longs to be intimately involved with each citizen. The King declares, all would intimately know the King, from the least to the greatest (Revelation 21:3, Hebrews 8:11). There are no VIPs in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:3).
Conversely, sinful, unloving, dishonest and destructive lifestyles are not and will not be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The dominate culture and life of the Kingdom of God is the beauty of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self-control. Any culture and lifestyle that does not generate the beauty and the purity of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, is not associated with the Kingdom of Heaven.
October 16, 2024
The Kingdom and the Rule and Reign of God
“…then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:24–26)
The national news in the United States is filled with talk about who will win the upcoming presidential election. The first Tuesday in November the people of the United States will decide who will rule as the President of the United States. Because of the rule and reign of the President, he or she plays a significant part in setting the direction and culture of the United States, through the introduction of laws, policies and influence.
The most powerful and significant authority in all of creation is the rule and reign of the of the Most High God and His Kingdom. The rule and reign of God in and through His Kingdom is one of the important facets of the Kingdom of Heaven. The rule and reign of the Most High God literally holds all of creation together (Colossians 1:17). The rule and reign of God keeps the order of physical laws and spiritual laws in place.
If it was not for the rule and reign of the Kingdom of Heaven, the devil would seek to remove the order of law from creation and as a result chaos and destruction would fill creation (Daniel 7:25). Could you imagine what would happen if the laws pertaining to aerodynamics would cease to exist. The cessation of natural laws would cause airplanes to fall from the sky. Our solar system would cease function and the earth as we know it would cease. But praise God, the God of the Kingdom of Heaven holds all things together.
The rule of the Kingdom of Heaven seeks to bring peace, righteousness and justice to us who live in this world and in the spiritual realm (Isaiah 9:6–7; Psalm 89:14). Even though we do not see the fullness of peace, righteousness and justice on the earth and in the spiritual realm at this time, God’s rule and reign keeps things ordered so we can make our decisions about accepting God’s offer of eternal life in His Kingdom. When we, as mankind submit ourselves to the rule and reign of God, peace, righteousness and justice surround us.
The big question for all of us, “Will we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom rule and reign?” When we were born into this world, our sin kept us under the authority of the kingdom and authority of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18). But the rule and reign of God keeps the forces of darkness at bay so that we, as mankind can have an opportunity to accept the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. When we accept His work and His lordship, we are rescued out of the authority of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not just rescued out of the slavery of sin, but we have been given an eternal inheritance alongside our Lord and Savior, in the all-powerful, eternal Kingdom of Heaven. When we become parti of the Kingdom of God, we accept the opportunity to watch the all-powerful rule and reign of God, mightily put all the evil forces of darkness out of commission and into eternal punishment.
The Kingdom and the Rule and Reign of God
“…then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:24–26)
The national news in the United States is filled with talk about who will win the upcoming presidential election. The first Tuesday in November the people of the United States will decide who will rule as the President of the United States. Because of the rule and reign of the President, he or she plays a significant part in setting the direction and culture of the United States, through the introduction of laws, policies and influence.
The most powerful and significant authority in all of creation is the rule and reign of the of the Most High God and His Kingdom. The rule and reign of God in and through His Kingdom is one of the important facets of the Kingdom of Heaven. The rule and reign of the Most High God literally holds all of creation together (Colossians 1:17). The rule and reign of God keeps the order of physical laws and spiritual laws in place.
If it was not for the rule and reign of the Kingdom of Heaven, the devil would seek to remove the order of law from creation and as a result chaos and destruction would fill creation (Daniel 7:25). Could you imagine what would happen if the laws pertaining to aerodynamics would cease to exist. The cessation of natural laws would cause airplanes to fall from the sky. Our solar system would cease function and the earth as we know it would cease. But praise God, the God of the Kingdom of Heaven holds all things together.
The rule of the Kingdom of Heaven seeks to bring peace, righteousness and justice to us who live in this world and in the spiritual realm (Isaiah 9:6–7; Psalm 89:14). Even though we do not see the fullness of peace, righteousness and justice on the earth and in the spiritual realm at this time, God’s rule and reign keeps things ordered so we can make our decisions about accepting God’s offer of eternal life in His Kingdom. When we, as mankind submit ourselves to the rule and reign of God, peace, righteousness and justice surround us.
The big question for all of us, “Will we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom rule and reign?” When we were born into this world, our sin kept us under the authority of the kingdom and authority of darkness (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18). But the rule and reign of God keeps the forces of darkness at bay so that we, as mankind can have an opportunity to accept the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. When we accept His work and His lordship, we are rescued out of the authority of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not just rescued out of the slavery of sin, but we have been given an eternal inheritance alongside our Lord and Savior, in the all-powerful, eternal Kingdom of Heaven. When we become parti of the Kingdom of God, we accept the opportunity to watch the all-powerful rule and reign of God, mightily put all the evil forces of darkness out of commission and into eternal punishment.
October 15, 2024
What Have We Said About the Kingdom of Heaven?
What is the Kingdom of Heaven? We have been on a journey to understand this simple question. When we understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is, then we can seek to understand how it functions.
In the beginning, I stated there were five-facets of God’s Kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a 5-sided cereal box. It has different sides that can look totally different, but each of the sides are a part of the same box. The Kingdom of Heaven has at least five different facets. In the first few devotions we established the Kingdom of Heaven is what I would call a country, called Heaven; it has a King, the Lord Jesus Christ; and it has citizens, of which we are, as born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because our God is a spiritual being, His kingdom at this time is purely spiritual. His Kingdom manifest itself in this world through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, in the hearts and through lives of the born-again citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
At this time in human history, the Kingdom of Heaven is manifesting itself in the unseen spiritual realm. But there is a time coming in the future, that the kingdoms of the world will be totally under the rule and reign of our God. The Kingdom of God will be like Jesus after He was raised from the dead (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:34-55). He has a glorified body, that was and now is spiritually, physical. The Kingdom of Heaven will be both spiritual and physical, in this world. At that time, all of creation will be ruled with the absolute justice and righteousness of the all-powerful, holy, and loving Most High God.
Let’s make sure we understand the different aspects of the country of the Kingdom of Heaven.
What Have We Said About the Kingdom of Heaven?
What is the Kingdom of Heaven? We have been on a journey to understand this simple question. When we understand what the Kingdom of Heaven is, then we can seek to understand how it functions.
In the beginning, I stated there were five-facets of God’s Kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a 5-sided cereal box. It has different sides that can look totally different, but each of the sides are a part of the same box. The Kingdom of Heaven has at least five different facets. In the first few devotions we established the Kingdom of Heaven is what I would call a country, called Heaven; it has a King, the Lord Jesus Christ; and it has citizens, of which we are, as born again believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because our God is a spiritual being, His kingdom at this time is purely spiritual. His Kingdom manifest itself in this world through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, in the hearts and through lives of the born-again citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
At this time in human history, the Kingdom of Heaven is manifesting itself in the unseen spiritual realm. But there is a time coming in the future, that the kingdoms of the world will be totally under the rule and reign of our God. The Kingdom of God will be like Jesus after He was raised from the dead (Luke 24:36-43; 1 Corinthians 15:34-55). He has a glorified body, that was and now is spiritually, physical. The Kingdom of Heaven will be both spiritual and physical, in this world. At that time, all of creation will be ruled with the absolute justice and righteousness of the all-powerful, holy, and loving Most High God.
Let’s make sure we understand the different aspects of the country of the Kingdom of Heaven.
October 14, 2024
The Eternal Physical-Spiritual Kingdom of God
“…were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
In a previous devotion we established the Kingdom of God is spiritual and is at this time unseen to the physical eyes of human beings. Our God is a spiritual being and everything He does always begins in the unseen spiritual realm. For example, Hebrews 11:3 tells us everything that is physically seen, was created out of the physically unseen, spiritual Word of God.
God has chosen to allow the greatness of His Kingdom to first spiritually manifest itself in the hearts and lives of people. God wants the citizens of His Kingdom to be people who have chosen to walk with Him in faith and love, not just because He is universally all-powerful and abundantly rich (1 Peter 1:8). At this time, the Kingdom of God manifest itself through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), in the lives of those who are born again and who are led of the Holy Spirit (Luke 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 4:19-20).
But in the near future, the Kingdom of God will be spiritual and physical in form. When God says it is time, the spiritual Kingdom of God will powerfully manifest itself physically in this world and God’s eternal rule and reign will be visibly seen and expressed.
At that time, the bodies of every person who has accepted Jesus their Lord and Savior, will be transformed from mortal physical bodies that are kept alive by blood, into immortal physical bodies that are spiritually animated (1 Corinthians 15:35-57). We, the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven will have eternal resurrected bodies, just like Jesus (1 John 3:1-2).
The rule and reign of King Jesus, will subdue all of those who have refused to love and believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:23-28). His Kingdom will be an eternal kingdom of righteousness and justice. The Kingdom of Heaven will be a place where God, Himself will live and walk among us. The Kingdom of Heaven will be place of love, peace and eternal comfort and joy.
Now we are encouraged to live for the future manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are to intentionally live by laying aside treasures and rewards in Heaven (Matthew 5). Everything in this life is a seed that is to be utilized for the glory of Jesus, so that it will yield fruit for our eternal existence in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s not get distracted by the seductiveness of this world and live for the coming the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)
nd you
The Eternal Physical-Spiritual Kingdom of God
“…were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
In a previous devotion we established the Kingdom of God is spiritual and is at this time unseen to the physical eyes of human beings. Our God is a spiritual being and everything He does always begins in the unseen spiritual realm. For example, Hebrews 11:3 tells us everything that is physically seen, was created out of the physically unseen, spiritual Word of God.
God has chosen to allow the greatness of His Kingdom to first spiritually manifest itself in the hearts and lives of people. God wants the citizens of His Kingdom to be people who have chosen to walk with Him in faith and love, not just because He is universally all-powerful and abundantly rich (1 Peter 1:8). At this time, the Kingdom of God manifest itself through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17), in the lives of those who are born again and who are led of the Holy Spirit (Luke 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 4:19-20).
But in the near future, the Kingdom of God will be spiritual and physical in form. When God says it is time, the spiritual Kingdom of God will powerfully manifest itself physically in this world and God’s eternal rule and reign will be visibly seen and expressed.
At that time, the bodies of every person who has accepted Jesus their Lord and Savior, will be transformed from mortal physical bodies that are kept alive by blood, into immortal physical bodies that are spiritually animated (1 Corinthians 15:35-57). We, the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven will have eternal resurrected bodies, just like Jesus (1 John 3:1-2).
The rule and reign of King Jesus, will subdue all of those who have refused to love and believe in the Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:23-28). His Kingdom will be an eternal kingdom of righteousness and justice. The Kingdom of Heaven will be a place where God, Himself will live and walk among us. The Kingdom of Heaven will be place of love, peace and eternal comfort and joy.
Now we are encouraged to live for the future manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven. We are to intentionally live by laying aside treasures and rewards in Heaven (Matthew 5). Everything in this life is a seed that is to be utilized for the glory of Jesus, so that it will yield fruit for our eternal existence in the Kingdom of Heaven. We are citizens and ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let’s not get distracted by the seductiveness of this world and live for the coming the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)
nd you
October 7, 2024 thru October 13, 2024
October 11, 2024
Amazing Reality of the Kingdom of Heaven
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
To me life in this world has numerous amazing and mysterious things. One thing is the amazing ability of the Hummingbird to fly. Another amazing and mysterious thing is the origin and the functioning of the force of gravity. The design, layout and function of all the celestial bodies of our solar system is amazing and mysterious. I am sure in each of the things I mentioned there are scientific explanations, but when I look at the details of those things, it makes me want to scratch my head and declare, “That is amazing.”
Probably the most amazing thing to me in all of creation is that creation is both physical and spiritual. One of the most important applications of this dual existence is the sphere and timing of the Kingdom of God or Heaven. At this time, the presence and the functioning of the Kingdom of God is spiritual, and it flows out of Heaven. God is a spiritual being, and His throne is in Heaven (John 4:23-24; Matthew 6:9). God’s servants, the angels are spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:14). When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are spiritually born from above (John 3:3-5). This miracle enables to participate in the Kingdom of God, because flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). The Kingdom of God at this time is a spiritual existence.
The physical realm and the spiritual Kingdom function in the same space. For example, unseen radio waves function in the same space as our physical bodies. We have radio waves passing through our bodies all the time. In the same way, the Spiritual realm flows and operates in and all around us.
Because the Kingdom of God is spiritual Kingdom at this time, the main way we participate in the Kingdom of God, is through the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Allow the person of the Holy Spirit to reveal the reality of the Kingdom of God in and around you
Amazing Reality of the Kingdom of Heaven
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
To me life in this world has numerous amazing and mysterious things. One thing is the amazing ability of the Hummingbird to fly. Another amazing and mysterious thing is the origin and the functioning of the force of gravity. The design, layout and function of all the celestial bodies of our solar system is amazing and mysterious. I am sure in each of the things I mentioned there are scientific explanations, but when I look at the details of those things, it makes me want to scratch my head and declare, “That is amazing.”
Probably the most amazing thing to me in all of creation is that creation is both physical and spiritual. One of the most important applications of this dual existence is the sphere and timing of the Kingdom of God or Heaven. At this time, the presence and the functioning of the Kingdom of God is spiritual, and it flows out of Heaven. God is a spiritual being, and His throne is in Heaven (John 4:23-24; Matthew 6:9). God’s servants, the angels are spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:14). When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are spiritually born from above (John 3:3-5). This miracle enables to participate in the Kingdom of God, because flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). The Kingdom of God at this time is a spiritual existence.
The physical realm and the spiritual Kingdom function in the same space. For example, unseen radio waves function in the same space as our physical bodies. We have radio waves passing through our bodies all the time. In the same way, the Spiritual realm flows and operates in and all around us.
Because the Kingdom of God is spiritual Kingdom at this time, the main way we participate in the Kingdom of God, is through the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Allow the person of the Holy Spirit to reveal the reality of the Kingdom of God in and around you
October 9, 2024
Our Citizenship?
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20)
When we are physically born into a country or kingdom, we receive citizenship in that country. Being a citizen of a country or kingdom is important and has numerous advantages. For example, being a citizen means we have the right to vote, the right to hold public office, the right for social security benefits, the right for public health services, the right for public education, the right for permanent residency, the right to own land, the right to engage in employment and the right to expect your government to defend your constitutional freedoms and rights.
My daughter-in-law, Lile was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia. Since her and Shea were married, they moved to the United States and she has since acquired her United States citizenship. She now has a dual citizenship. She still has a Macedonian citizenship, and she has a citizenship. This dual citizenship provides her with unique rights and privileges.
If we know the King Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have a dual citizenship. We are citizens of the earthly country from which we were physically born, and we are citizens of the heavenly, Kingdom of God, from which we were born again, according to the Spirit (John 3:3-5).
It is important for us to realize we have a citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. We have God-given rights and benefits that are ours to walk-in. The next couple of days we will investigate the significance of being born again and receiving a citizenship from the Kingdom of Heaven. But right now, it is important for us to know that we have been born again and have a citizenship in Heaven. “Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3–5)
Our Citizenship?
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20)
When we are physically born into a country or kingdom, we receive citizenship in that country. Being a citizen of a country or kingdom is important and has numerous advantages. For example, being a citizen means we have the right to vote, the right to hold public office, the right for social security benefits, the right for public health services, the right for public education, the right for permanent residency, the right to own land, the right to engage in employment and the right to expect your government to defend your constitutional freedoms and rights.
My daughter-in-law, Lile was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia. Since her and Shea were married, they moved to the United States and she has since acquired her United States citizenship. She now has a dual citizenship. She still has a Macedonian citizenship, and she has a citizenship. This dual citizenship provides her with unique rights and privileges.
If we know the King Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have a dual citizenship. We are citizens of the earthly country from which we were physically born, and we are citizens of the heavenly, Kingdom of God, from which we were born again, according to the Spirit (John 3:3-5).
It is important for us to realize we have a citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. We have God-given rights and benefits that are ours to walk-in. The next couple of days we will investigate the significance of being born again and receiving a citizenship from the Kingdom of Heaven. But right now, it is important for us to know that we have been born again and have a citizenship in Heaven. “Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3–5)
October 8, 2024
The Unseen Kingdom of Heaven
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
I believe that one of the most spiritually intriguing movies that has come out of Hollywood, was “The Matrix”. The movie showed two realms functioning and interacting at the same time. One of the realms was called the “Matrix”. The Matrix was a world of illusion. The “Matrix” was a realm where life was only electronically projected into people’s minds, while the other realm was real. The vast majority of the people in the “matrix” were being used and deceived and were clueless that another realm even existed. The people and beings in real realm, dictated and overpowered the people in the matrix.
To me the movie was a phenomenal comparison to God’s spiritual realm interacting and existing with our physical world. According to scripture, our physical realm is only temporary, while the unseen spiritual realm is eternal and is the source of everything that is physical (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Hebrews 11:3).
Jesus Christ was and is the almighty King of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven rules the unseen spiritual realm and physical realm. King Jesus humbly and secretly came into our physical world so that we, who were held captive in the physical realm, could enter the real, eternal and powerful spiritual realm. King Jesus has also made it possible for us to be heirs and participants in the all-powerful Kingdom of Heaven. We can victoriously live in this physical world, using the resources and power of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The physical world seeks to seduce and sedate us who live in the physical realm. The world seeks to keep us blinded to the reality of the powerful and unseen Kingdom of Heaven. The world seeks to keep us blinded, because it rejects the rule and reign of the God of the Kingdom of Heaven.
When we fall prey to the seductions of the physical world and seek to find life in the physical realm, using the world’s ways, we will miss the opportunity to participate in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is important for us to realize, that everything that is of this physical world, is temporary. If we seek the unseen Kingdom of Heaven, we will live in freedom and find eternal life and fulfillment.
The Unseen Kingdom of Heaven
“Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36)
I believe that one of the most spiritually intriguing movies that has come out of Hollywood, was “The Matrix”. The movie showed two realms functioning and interacting at the same time. One of the realms was called the “Matrix”. The Matrix was a world of illusion. The “Matrix” was a realm where life was only electronically projected into people’s minds, while the other realm was real. The vast majority of the people in the “matrix” were being used and deceived and were clueless that another realm even existed. The people and beings in real realm, dictated and overpowered the people in the matrix.
To me the movie was a phenomenal comparison to God’s spiritual realm interacting and existing with our physical world. According to scripture, our physical realm is only temporary, while the unseen spiritual realm is eternal and is the source of everything that is physical (2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Hebrews 11:3).
Jesus Christ was and is the almighty King of the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven rules the unseen spiritual realm and physical realm. King Jesus humbly and secretly came into our physical world so that we, who were held captive in the physical realm, could enter the real, eternal and powerful spiritual realm. King Jesus has also made it possible for us to be heirs and participants in the all-powerful Kingdom of Heaven. We can victoriously live in this physical world, using the resources and power of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The physical world seeks to seduce and sedate us who live in the physical realm. The world seeks to keep us blinded to the reality of the powerful and unseen Kingdom of Heaven. The world seeks to keep us blinded, because it rejects the rule and reign of the God of the Kingdom of Heaven.
When we fall prey to the seductions of the physical world and seek to find life in the physical realm, using the world’s ways, we will miss the opportunity to participate in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is important for us to realize, that everything that is of this physical world, is temporary. If we seek the unseen Kingdom of Heaven, we will live in freedom and find eternal life and fulfillment.
October 7, 2024
King Jesus!
“Therefore Pilate said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ ” (John 18:37)
Who is Jesus Christ and why did He come into this world? The basic truth is that Jesus is our Savior. 1 John 3:5 tells us Jesus came into this world to take away our sin. Three verses later the Apostle John declares that Jesus came to destroy or literally, loosen the works of the devil. Putting those two verses together, we can conclude that the work of the devil is sin and the devil uses sin to hold mankind under his authority (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18).
We can easily declare, Jesus came to take away our sin and set us free from the authority of the devil. But that is only half of the story. He came to set us free from our bondage to sin so that He may become our King, our Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ came to earth to establish an everlasting Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. His death, burial and resurrection has a made a way for us to enter His Kingdom.
Jesus Christ was and is not just a good man from Nazareth or a good prophet, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelations 17:14). He is the King of the Kingdom of Heaven.
When the Bible says, He is the “King of kings”, there is an insinuation that there are other kings and other lords. The word “kingdom” is a compound word being composed of “king” and “dom”, meaning, “a king over a dominion or domain.” A kingdom has a king or ruler over a dominion or domain.
Many times we can subconsciously seek to be the king and lord of the tiny domain of our lives. It is easy to let Jesus be our Savior. But it is another thing to let Him be the King of every area of my life. In order for us to experience the fullness of King Jesus we have to surrender our tiny kingdoms to His Kingdom and His Lordship (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus is not just our Savior, He is our King. He must be the King of area of our lives.
Let’s ask the Lord to show us any places where we have not allowed King Jesus to be the King of every area of our lives.
King Jesus!
“Therefore Pilate said to Him, ‘So You are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’ ” (John 18:37)
Who is Jesus Christ and why did He come into this world? The basic truth is that Jesus is our Savior. 1 John 3:5 tells us Jesus came into this world to take away our sin. Three verses later the Apostle John declares that Jesus came to destroy or literally, loosen the works of the devil. Putting those two verses together, we can conclude that the work of the devil is sin and the devil uses sin to hold mankind under his authority (Colossians 1:13; Acts 26:18).
We can easily declare, Jesus came to take away our sin and set us free from the authority of the devil. But that is only half of the story. He came to set us free from our bondage to sin so that He may become our King, our Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ came to earth to establish an everlasting Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. His death, burial and resurrection has a made a way for us to enter His Kingdom.
Jesus Christ was and is not just a good man from Nazareth or a good prophet, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelations 17:14). He is the King of the Kingdom of Heaven.
When the Bible says, He is the “King of kings”, there is an insinuation that there are other kings and other lords. The word “kingdom” is a compound word being composed of “king” and “dom”, meaning, “a king over a dominion or domain.” A kingdom has a king or ruler over a dominion or domain.
Many times we can subconsciously seek to be the king and lord of the tiny domain of our lives. It is easy to let Jesus be our Savior. But it is another thing to let Him be the King of every area of my life. In order for us to experience the fullness of King Jesus we have to surrender our tiny kingdoms to His Kingdom and His Lordship (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus is not just our Savior, He is our King. He must be the King of area of our lives.
Let’s ask the Lord to show us any places where we have not allowed King Jesus to be the King of every area of our lives.
September 30, 2024 thru October 5, 2024
October 5, 2024
More Faithful Than the Rising Sun!
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Every morning when we wake up, we expect to see the sun’s light. I doubt any of us have ever worried—or even given thought to the possibility—that the sun might not rise the next morning. We don’t think about the earth’s rotation and the sun shining each day because we consider the sun and earth to be faithful. We strongly trust that the sun will shine and the earth will continue rotating. And they do. But not because of their faithfulness. It’s because of God’s faithfulness.
Everything God does is in faithfulness. “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness” (Psalm 33:4). When our hearts receive His faithfulness the same way they’ve received the faithfulness of the sun to shine and the earth to rotate—our faith will become strong.
The Hebrew word for “faithful” is a word that literally means “firm” or “dependable.” In other words, faithfulness communicates a degree of certainty. We can be certain about God. He is firm, dependable, and sure.
Here are just a few truths about how faithful God is. Don’t quickly read these passages, but go over them slowly and allow the Holy Spirit to establish them in your heart:
1. God is faithful to complete the work He’s doing in us.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
2. God is faithful to work all things out for our good.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
3. God is faithful in the midst of spiritual attack.
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3)
4. God is faithful with His promises to us.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
5. God is faithful when we are tempted to sin.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
6. God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
7. God is faithful even when we are without faith!
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
When you see the sun rising or see the sun setting, let it be a reminder to you of the faithfulness of God in your life.
More Faithful Than the Rising Sun!
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Every morning when we wake up, we expect to see the sun’s light. I doubt any of us have ever worried—or even given thought to the possibility—that the sun might not rise the next morning. We don’t think about the earth’s rotation and the sun shining each day because we consider the sun and earth to be faithful. We strongly trust that the sun will shine and the earth will continue rotating. And they do. But not because of their faithfulness. It’s because of God’s faithfulness.
Everything God does is in faithfulness. “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness” (Psalm 33:4). When our hearts receive His faithfulness the same way they’ve received the faithfulness of the sun to shine and the earth to rotate—our faith will become strong.
The Hebrew word for “faithful” is a word that literally means “firm” or “dependable.” In other words, faithfulness communicates a degree of certainty. We can be certain about God. He is firm, dependable, and sure.
Here are just a few truths about how faithful God is. Don’t quickly read these passages, but go over them slowly and allow the Holy Spirit to establish them in your heart:
1. God is faithful to complete the work He’s doing in us.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
2. God is faithful to work all things out for our good.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
3. God is faithful in the midst of spiritual attack.
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
(2 Thessalonians 3:3)
4. God is faithful with His promises to us.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
5. God is faithful when we are tempted to sin.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
6. God is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
7. God is faithful even when we are without faith!
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13)
When you see the sun rising or see the sun setting, let it be a reminder to you of the faithfulness of God in your life.
October 4, 2024
Discovering God’s Benefit Package
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits. (Psalm 103:1–2)
When we’re offered a new job at a new company, one of the first things we want to know about is the job’s benefit package. Knowing the job’s benefits can empower our confidence and faith in the job.
The same is true about our walk with God. That’s why the Psalmist in Psalm 103:1–2 tells himself not to forget about the Lord’s benefits.
Here are some of the awesome benefits of being a child of the Most High God. Don’t read them just to get through today’s entry. Allow each passage to sink into the depths of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding about these truths and to help you apply each passage in your everyday life, because if you can apply these truths in your heart, your faith will grow.
1. Our God is a giver, and He is willing to give us everything.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
2. Our God is the giver of good gifts.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:16–17)
3. Our God is for us!
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
(Romans 8:31)
4. Our God takes all the bad things and works them in such a way that they turn out for our good.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
5. Our God is not the taker. He is the giver of life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
6. Our God cares for us.
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
7. Our God will never leave us nor forsake us.
For He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” (Hebrews 13:5–6)
When we know the truth of who God is and what He’s like, this understanding empowers our hearts to believe and trust in Him. Knowing His true nature and character gives us the strength to overcome the obstacles that try to steal our faith. One key to an overcoming heart is knowing the true reality of God. “This is who He really is.”
Discovering God’s Benefit Package
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits. (Psalm 103:1–2)
When we’re offered a new job at a new company, one of the first things we want to know about is the job’s benefit package. Knowing the job’s benefits can empower our confidence and faith in the job.
The same is true about our walk with God. That’s why the Psalmist in Psalm 103:1–2 tells himself not to forget about the Lord’s benefits.
Here are some of the awesome benefits of being a child of the Most High God. Don’t read them just to get through today’s entry. Allow each passage to sink into the depths of your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding about these truths and to help you apply each passage in your everyday life, because if you can apply these truths in your heart, your faith will grow.
1. Our God is a giver, and He is willing to give us everything.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32)
2. Our God is the giver of good gifts.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:16–17)
3. Our God is for us!
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
(Romans 8:31)
4. Our God takes all the bad things and works them in such a way that they turn out for our good.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
5. Our God is not the taker. He is the giver of life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
6. Our God cares for us.
Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
7. Our God will never leave us nor forsake us.
For He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” (Hebrews 13:5–6)
When we know the truth of who God is and what He’s like, this understanding empowers our hearts to believe and trust in Him. Knowing His true nature and character gives us the strength to overcome the obstacles that try to steal our faith. One key to an overcoming heart is knowing the true reality of God. “This is who He really is.”
October 3, 2024
Discovering the God of Love
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6)
In my opinion, I live in one of the most beautiful places in America. One reason this region is so lovely is the New River, which flows north through the Blue Ridge Mountains. In some areas, the riverbanks are majestic, high cliffs. Where the space between the cliffs grows narrower, the river compresses and the water flow increases in speed.
That’s what happens with our faith as well. Love is like those cliffs, compressing our faith so it flows more quickly.
If we want to grow our faith, one of the best things we can do is discover the reality of God’s love. The more we’re in love with God, the stronger our faith will be, because it was designed to be empowered and directed by His love. In the revelation of God’s love is the discovery of faith’s fullness.
Our God is a faith being. He operates totally in faith because that’s who He is. If God did anything that wasn’t in faith, He would be denying who He is (2 Timothy 2:13).
In the same way, He is also a being of love. He doesn’t contain love or just simply do acts of love—He is love. “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). When God acts out of love, He is simply being Himself. Whenever He does anything, it is an expression of love. Look out the closest window—all creation is an expression of His love.
Here are just a few of the biblical revelations of God’s love for us. Allow these truths to empower your heart toward His love:
1. Our God loves us.
Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you . . .
(Isaiah 43:4)
2. Our God has always loved us and He always will.
The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”
(Jeremiah 31:3)
3. Our God loves us so much that He gave everything for us.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16 cf. Rom. 8:32)
4. Our God proved His love by allowing Jesus to die for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
5. Our God’s mercy pours out of His love for us.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us... (Ephesians 2:4)
6. Our ability to love comes out of the revelation that our God loves us!
We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
7. Nothing can ever separate us from our God’s love.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35–39)
Which of these the truths stood out to you as you read today’s section.
Discovering the God of Love
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6)
In my opinion, I live in one of the most beautiful places in America. One reason this region is so lovely is the New River, which flows north through the Blue Ridge Mountains. In some areas, the riverbanks are majestic, high cliffs. Where the space between the cliffs grows narrower, the river compresses and the water flow increases in speed.
That’s what happens with our faith as well. Love is like those cliffs, compressing our faith so it flows more quickly.
If we want to grow our faith, one of the best things we can do is discover the reality of God’s love. The more we’re in love with God, the stronger our faith will be, because it was designed to be empowered and directed by His love. In the revelation of God’s love is the discovery of faith’s fullness.
Our God is a faith being. He operates totally in faith because that’s who He is. If God did anything that wasn’t in faith, He would be denying who He is (2 Timothy 2:13).
In the same way, He is also a being of love. He doesn’t contain love or just simply do acts of love—He is love. “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). When God acts out of love, He is simply being Himself. Whenever He does anything, it is an expression of love. Look out the closest window—all creation is an expression of His love.
Here are just a few of the biblical revelations of God’s love for us. Allow these truths to empower your heart toward His love:
1. Our God loves us.
Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you . . .
(Isaiah 43:4)
2. Our God has always loved us and He always will.
The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”
(Jeremiah 31:3)
3. Our God loves us so much that He gave everything for us.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16 cf. Rom. 8:32)
4. Our God proved His love by allowing Jesus to die for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
5. Our God’s mercy pours out of His love for us.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us... (Ephesians 2:4)
6. Our ability to love comes out of the revelation that our God loves us!
We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
7. Nothing can ever separate us from our God’s love.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
“FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35–39)
Which of these the truths stood out to you as you read today’s section.
October 2, 2024
What Is God Like?
The people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32)
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the enemy has tried to distort God’s nature and character in the minds and hearts of all humanity.
If I took a survey of every person who says they know Jesus, I’m sure I’d find that a good percentage of us have experienced negative, demonically inspired events meant to taint our ability to embrace the true knowledge of God. Another large percentage would be filled with “untruths” taught by religious traditions, and others would know very little about God at all. The result of these groupings is the same. The enemy wants us to have trouble trusting God and believing what He says.
But praise God—the story does not end with the enemy’s plans! I was one of those people who had no knowledge of God, even though I went to church as a kid. But for years now, God has been working in my heart to strengthen my faith, which He’s done by revealing His awesomeness to me. The more I discover about the Father’s nature and character, the easier it is for me to trust Him when life is tough.
God wants to reveals Himself to us so our faith will be firmly attached to the true knowledge of who He is—because true knowledge of God sets us free, builds our faith, and empowers us to live life to the fullest.
One of the main ways God reveals Himself to us is through His holy Scriptures. Here are some of the basic truths from the Bible that declare the awesomeness of God. Allow these truths to sink into your heart:
1. Our God is holy (which means separate, uncommon, and clean).
Because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” (1 Peter 1:16)
2. Our God is always with us; He will never leave us.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
For He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” (Hebrews 13:5–6)
3. Our God is all powerful, and there is no one or no thing that can be compared to Him.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
4. God is righteous and just.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. (Psalm 89:14)
5. God formed every facet of creation in such a way that Jesus is the One who holds it together.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)
6. God formed all creation so that Jesus would be first in everything.
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18)
7. God created everything in such a way that true fullness can be found only in Jesus Christ.
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him. (Colossians 1:19)
Which of these truths did God highlight in your mind when you read through this section?
What Is God Like?
The people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32)
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the enemy has tried to distort God’s nature and character in the minds and hearts of all humanity.
If I took a survey of every person who says they know Jesus, I’m sure I’d find that a good percentage of us have experienced negative, demonically inspired events meant to taint our ability to embrace the true knowledge of God. Another large percentage would be filled with “untruths” taught by religious traditions, and others would know very little about God at all. The result of these groupings is the same. The enemy wants us to have trouble trusting God and believing what He says.
But praise God—the story does not end with the enemy’s plans! I was one of those people who had no knowledge of God, even though I went to church as a kid. But for years now, God has been working in my heart to strengthen my faith, which He’s done by revealing His awesomeness to me. The more I discover about the Father’s nature and character, the easier it is for me to trust Him when life is tough.
God wants to reveals Himself to us so our faith will be firmly attached to the true knowledge of who He is—because true knowledge of God sets us free, builds our faith, and empowers us to live life to the fullest.
One of the main ways God reveals Himself to us is through His holy Scriptures. Here are some of the basic truths from the Bible that declare the awesomeness of God. Allow these truths to sink into your heart:
1. Our God is holy (which means separate, uncommon, and clean).
Because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” (1 Peter 1:16)
2. Our God is always with us; He will never leave us.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
For He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?” (Hebrews 13:5–6)
3. Our God is all powerful, and there is no one or no thing that can be compared to Him.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
4. God is righteous and just.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. (Psalm 89:14)
5. God formed every facet of creation in such a way that Jesus is the One who holds it together.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)
6. God formed all creation so that Jesus would be first in everything.
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18)
7. God created everything in such a way that true fullness can be found only in Jesus Christ.
For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him. (Colossians 1:19)
Which of these truths did God highlight in your mind when you read through this section?
October 1, 2024
Knowing Who He Is
The people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32)
I love watching movies and reading books about men and women who go out and accomplish great, honorable, and loving things. I often catch myself looking at who I am and wondering how I could become such a person myself.
But then I’m reminded it isn’t about me—it’s about the One who is in me. He causes greatness, honor, and love in people. When I experientially know Him, the reality of His greatness, honor, and love become mine.
I am an ordinary man with an extraordinary God. When an extraordinary God does extraordinary things in and through an ordinary man, the ordinary man experiences and sees extraordinary things. That is what happened in Jesus’ disciples. They were ordinary men and women, and God did extraordinary things in and through them.
One of my favorite statements in the entire Bible is Daniel 11:32 (the verse at the top of this page). That verse gives me hope. The truth is, as I discover the reality of God, His reality empowers my faith to walk in who I really am as His child. That’s the kind of faith I want, but sometimes when I evaluate my abilities, my faith seems inadequate for the challenge. Passages like Daniel 11:32 help me remember I am not the key! The key is my receiving a clearer revelation of who God is and what He’s like. That revelation then allows me to walk in His greatness.
The foundation of growing in faith is not so much about getting a deeper revelation of who we are—it’s about getting a deeper revelation of the One inside us (1 John 4:4). When we see and know God’s glory, it will transform us into His same image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
As we grow in the knowledge of His glory, His glory transforms us into His very image and likeness. When Jesus was on the earth, everywhere He went He caused things to go from bondage to freedom, from sickness to health, from death to life, and from sinfulness to forgiveness. Jesus was a Person of strength and action, and as we see and know His glory, we become like Him (1 John 3:2–3). And when we’re like Jesus, we bring love and life everywhere we go.
Daniel 11:32 tells us that the ones who know their God will display strength and take action. So if we catch ourselves feeling weak and being passive, that’s an indicator that we don’t fully know God. I’m not saying that we aren’t saved—I’m saying that if we feel weak and passive, we don’t fully know the One who has given us eternal life. Let’s be intentional to discover the true knowledge of the God inside us—understanding that when we see and know Him, we will walk and live as He is.
Knowing Who He Is
The people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32)
I love watching movies and reading books about men and women who go out and accomplish great, honorable, and loving things. I often catch myself looking at who I am and wondering how I could become such a person myself.
But then I’m reminded it isn’t about me—it’s about the One who is in me. He causes greatness, honor, and love in people. When I experientially know Him, the reality of His greatness, honor, and love become mine.
I am an ordinary man with an extraordinary God. When an extraordinary God does extraordinary things in and through an ordinary man, the ordinary man experiences and sees extraordinary things. That is what happened in Jesus’ disciples. They were ordinary men and women, and God did extraordinary things in and through them.
One of my favorite statements in the entire Bible is Daniel 11:32 (the verse at the top of this page). That verse gives me hope. The truth is, as I discover the reality of God, His reality empowers my faith to walk in who I really am as His child. That’s the kind of faith I want, but sometimes when I evaluate my abilities, my faith seems inadequate for the challenge. Passages like Daniel 11:32 help me remember I am not the key! The key is my receiving a clearer revelation of who God is and what He’s like. That revelation then allows me to walk in His greatness.
The foundation of growing in faith is not so much about getting a deeper revelation of who we are—it’s about getting a deeper revelation of the One inside us (1 John 4:4). When we see and know God’s glory, it will transform us into His same image (2 Corinthians 3:18).
As we grow in the knowledge of His glory, His glory transforms us into His very image and likeness. When Jesus was on the earth, everywhere He went He caused things to go from bondage to freedom, from sickness to health, from death to life, and from sinfulness to forgiveness. Jesus was a Person of strength and action, and as we see and know His glory, we become like Him (1 John 3:2–3). And when we’re like Jesus, we bring love and life everywhere we go.
Daniel 11:32 tells us that the ones who know their God will display strength and take action. So if we catch ourselves feeling weak and being passive, that’s an indicator that we don’t fully know God. I’m not saying that we aren’t saved—I’m saying that if we feel weak and passive, we don’t fully know the One who has given us eternal life. Let’s be intentional to discover the true knowledge of the God inside us—understanding that when we see and know Him, we will walk and live as He is.
September 30, 2024
Knowing God
“Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You. (Psalm 9:10)
Sometimes when I’m teaching, I will pick someone out of the audience who doesn’t know me personally, and I’ll ask them to play a question-and-answer game with me. “Would you be willing to receive a million dollars?” I ask. “But understand there are two conditions for you to get this money. First, you’ll have to take a trip to a foreign country. And second, when you take the trip, you’ll have to leave the money with me. How does it make you feel to know you have to leave the money with me?” Just about every time, the person replies, “I don’t feel very comfortable leaving the money with you.”
I’m not offended they feel that way. I know it isn’t a knock on my character. This person doesn’t know me, and because they don’t know me, they don’t trust me.
When we don’t know God, we won’t trust Him.
Psalm 9:10 makes it clear, the ones who know God’s name, or His nature and character, will trust Him. It’s a simple fact. As we grow in the revelation of who He is, we also grow in our ability to trust Him.
Very often people beat themselves up because they’re having such a hard time trusting God. But according to Psalm 9:10, whenever we have trouble trusting Him, it’s because we don’t know His nature and character. That is, we don’t know Him—so that’s what we need to fix.
When we do know the nature and character of our God, we will trust Him. He is so loving, powerful, kind, merciful, full of grace, righteous, just, and faithful that when we see Him and know Him as He is, we cannot help but want to trust Him.
Let’s make it our goal to know our God!
Knowing God
“Know that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You. (Psalm 9:10)
Sometimes when I’m teaching, I will pick someone out of the audience who doesn’t know me personally, and I’ll ask them to play a question-and-answer game with me. “Would you be willing to receive a million dollars?” I ask. “But understand there are two conditions for you to get this money. First, you’ll have to take a trip to a foreign country. And second, when you take the trip, you’ll have to leave the money with me. How does it make you feel to know you have to leave the money with me?” Just about every time, the person replies, “I don’t feel very comfortable leaving the money with you.”
I’m not offended they feel that way. I know it isn’t a knock on my character. This person doesn’t know me, and because they don’t know me, they don’t trust me.
When we don’t know God, we won’t trust Him.
Psalm 9:10 makes it clear, the ones who know God’s name, or His nature and character, will trust Him. It’s a simple fact. As we grow in the revelation of who He is, we also grow in our ability to trust Him.
Very often people beat themselves up because they’re having such a hard time trusting God. But according to Psalm 9:10, whenever we have trouble trusting Him, it’s because we don’t know His nature and character. That is, we don’t know Him—so that’s what we need to fix.
When we do know the nature and character of our God, we will trust Him. He is so loving, powerful, kind, merciful, full of grace, righteous, just, and faithful that when we see Him and know Him as He is, we cannot help but want to trust Him.
Let’s make it our goal to know our God!
September 23, 2024 thru September 29, 2024
September 26, 2024
Truth Enables Our Faith to Function in Unseen Realm
Because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
I once ministered to a young woman who was never taught about life as a child. She grew up in an abusive and neglectful family, and her precious heart wanted to believe in something special. Enthralled with birds, she began to believe she could fly just like a bird. One day she climbed a tall tree and jumped, flapping her arms and expecting to fly. But that obviously wasn’t what happened. She ended up getting hurt, both physically and in her young soul. She was never told the truth of about how to live. She was only taught how to do drugs and other illicit activities. Years later she still struggled with disappointment and disillusionment that needed to be healed.
Just because we believe something doesn’t mean it’s true. Similarly, just because a person is trying to live by faith doesn’t mean his or her faith is accurate. But the power of God’s truth brings breaks through any uncertainty.
Anytime we talk about living a life of faith, it can seem confusing and mystical. The unseen realm—lived out in a physical way. But God doesn’t want us to be confused or mystified in our relationship with Him. Instead, He wants relationship with Him to be so simple that a child can walk in it (Matthew 18:3).
To help us put our faith in Him and His Kingdom, God has given us three revelations of truth, which offer solidity to the uncertainty of faith. That idea might sound a bit heady, but it’s actually pretty simple. One of the Hebrew words for “truth” in the Old Testament communicates firmness, stability, and perpetuity. In other words, the truth of God provides firmness and stability for our souls.
These are the three revelations of truth:
1. Jesus Christ is the “who of truth” (John 14:6).
2. The Word of God is the “What of truth” that bears witness to the “who of truth” (John 17:17, 5:39).
3. I describe the Holy Spirit as the “heart of truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit confirms the heart and reality of Jesus and the Word of God.
These three facets of God’s truth perfectly connect and complement each other. They bring focus and reality to our faith, and when our faith is based on God’s truth, it will be much firmer and more stable. Allow your heart to embrace and hold fast to the three facets of God’s truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you specific, personal ways you can utilize His truth to stabilize and steady your faith.
Take note of an area where you feel you have serious doubts about God’s truth. Then ask the Lord to give you revelation about that area. Remember this moment and this request, because the Lord will reveal the truth you need at the appropriate time.
Truth Enables Our Faith to Function in Unseen Realm
Because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)
I once ministered to a young woman who was never taught about life as a child. She grew up in an abusive and neglectful family, and her precious heart wanted to believe in something special. Enthralled with birds, she began to believe she could fly just like a bird. One day she climbed a tall tree and jumped, flapping her arms and expecting to fly. But that obviously wasn’t what happened. She ended up getting hurt, both physically and in her young soul. She was never told the truth of about how to live. She was only taught how to do drugs and other illicit activities. Years later she still struggled with disappointment and disillusionment that needed to be healed.
Just because we believe something doesn’t mean it’s true. Similarly, just because a person is trying to live by faith doesn’t mean his or her faith is accurate. But the power of God’s truth brings breaks through any uncertainty.
Anytime we talk about living a life of faith, it can seem confusing and mystical. The unseen realm—lived out in a physical way. But God doesn’t want us to be confused or mystified in our relationship with Him. Instead, He wants relationship with Him to be so simple that a child can walk in it (Matthew 18:3).
To help us put our faith in Him and His Kingdom, God has given us three revelations of truth, which offer solidity to the uncertainty of faith. That idea might sound a bit heady, but it’s actually pretty simple. One of the Hebrew words for “truth” in the Old Testament communicates firmness, stability, and perpetuity. In other words, the truth of God provides firmness and stability for our souls.
These are the three revelations of truth:
1. Jesus Christ is the “who of truth” (John 14:6).
2. The Word of God is the “What of truth” that bears witness to the “who of truth” (John 17:17, 5:39).
3. I describe the Holy Spirit as the “heart of truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit confirms the heart and reality of Jesus and the Word of God.
These three facets of God’s truth perfectly connect and complement each other. They bring focus and reality to our faith, and when our faith is based on God’s truth, it will be much firmer and more stable. Allow your heart to embrace and hold fast to the three facets of God’s truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you specific, personal ways you can utilize His truth to stabilize and steady your faith.
Take note of an area where you feel you have serious doubts about God’s truth. Then ask the Lord to give you revelation about that area. Remember this moment and this request, because the Lord will reveal the truth you need at the appropriate time.
September 26, 2024
Looking to See the Unseen!
Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1–2)
If you need a widget, you’ll have to get up and look for it. If you don’t look for it, there’s only a slim chance of finding it. There’d be even less of a chance if that widget happened to be in somebody else’s house.
One of the challenges of living by faith is learning how to look and see the unseen resources of Heaven. We live in the physical world—but God, the supplier of our needs, is found in the invisible, spiritual realm. We have to get up and look! When we intentionally choose to look into the Kingdom of God for answers to our questions and needs, we’ve won half the battle (Matthew 6:33).
Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1–2)
If you need a widget, you’ll have to get up and look for it. If you don’t look for it, there’s only a slim chance of finding it. There’d be even less of a chance if that widget happened to be in somebody else’s house.
One of the challenges of living by faith is learning how to look and see the unseen resources of Heaven. We live in the physical world—but God, the supplier of our needs, is found in the invisible, spiritual realm. We have to get up and look! When we intentionally choose to look into the Kingdom of God for answers to our questions and needs, we’ve won half the battle (Matthew 6:33).
Most of the time, the spiritual realm is invisible to our physical eyes.
But the gift of faith gives us the ability to see and receive from the unseen resources of Heaven. The Word of God paint a picture in our hearts of the spiritual reality of God and His provisions. As we search and receive by faith the revelations of God, we are able to spiritually see in our hearts. When we see it in our hearts, we are able to receive from Him.
But the gift of faith gives us the ability to see and receive from the unseen resources of Heaven. The Word of God paint a picture in our hearts of the spiritual reality of God and His provisions. As we search and receive by faith the revelations of God, we are able to spiritually see in our hearts. When we see it in our hearts, we are able to receive from Him.
He is the One who “gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist” (Romans 4:17). If we need something that does not exist, we need faith in order to receive the thing that does not exist. Humanly speaking, it’s impossible to give life to the dead! And yet that is exactly what God does. It is part of His nature. Abraham chose to see into the unseen greatness of God, which allowed the resources and characteristics of God to permeate his life.
Ask Father God to reveal His unseen greatness and all that is given to you in Christ Jesus. In faith, choose to look to Him for revelation. Allow your heart to spiritually see the revelation you are receiving. Write down what you see. What you are seeing is what you are believing or trusting.
September 25, 2024
You are Rich!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
Imagine what it would be like if the richest man in the world gave his estate to you. You now have free and unlimited access to all his riches.
Would you leave the money alone and never touch it?
Or would you take out only a tiny bit—just enough to live on? I seriously doubt most of us would be passive about spending this person’s money!
That little daydream is no daydream at all. The richest Person in the universe actually has given us the right to freely share in His vast wealth. Ephesians 1:3 says that God has granted us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places—we are rich beyond our wildest dreams. In fact the Holy Bible, calls us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Everything God has comes out of the “First Bank of Heaven.” Or more biblically, it’s found “in Christ Jesus.”Not only did God give us access to His riches, but He also created us with a destiny of greatness and came up with good plans that would lead us to the fulfillment of that greatness (1 Chronicles 29:12; Jeremiah 29:11).
But here we run into a problem. If what the Bible says is true, which it is, then why isn’t every child of God across the world living in freedom and “spending” His wealth liberally and with great joy?
The challenge is our faith. God is a spiritual being, and His riches and the greatness of who He is are embodied in Him and His will. His wealth waits for us to access it—not in the seen physical realm, but in the unseen spiritual realm. God wants us to bring the resources of the heavenly, unseen realm into the physical realm of the earth. That is the embodiment of the Lord’s Prayer.
But the only way to access and utilize God’s spiritual riches and plans in Heaven is by faith. “We have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2).
As we talked about in an earlier devotion, faith is the “extension cord” of Heaven. It allows the resources of Heaven to be released from the invisible spiritual realm into visible physical realm. That’s the catch—and the reason so many believers in Jesus aren’t living according to the true riches found in Christ.
The Father longs for us to be able say in faith, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” The first question our hearts need to answer is, “Is this true?” Are there resources in Heaven that God has provided for us to meet our every need? Pray about this. Search the Scriptures for yourself, and see if it’s true.
If it is, then put all your faith in your Lord and ask Him how He wants those resources to be released into your life. Write down the revelation (the revealing of God) you receive.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
Imagine what it would be like if the richest man in the world gave his estate to you. You now have free and unlimited access to all his riches.
Would you leave the money alone and never touch it?
Or would you take out only a tiny bit—just enough to live on? I seriously doubt most of us would be passive about spending this person’s money!
That little daydream is no daydream at all. The richest Person in the universe actually has given us the right to freely share in His vast wealth. Ephesians 1:3 says that God has granted us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places—we are rich beyond our wildest dreams. In fact the Holy Bible, calls us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Everything God has comes out of the “First Bank of Heaven.” Or more biblically, it’s found “in Christ Jesus.”Not only did God give us access to His riches, but He also created us with a destiny of greatness and came up with good plans that would lead us to the fulfillment of that greatness (1 Chronicles 29:12; Jeremiah 29:11).
But here we run into a problem. If what the Bible says is true, which it is, then why isn’t every child of God across the world living in freedom and “spending” His wealth liberally and with great joy?
The challenge is our faith. God is a spiritual being, and His riches and the greatness of who He is are embodied in Him and His will. His wealth waits for us to access it—not in the seen physical realm, but in the unseen spiritual realm. God wants us to bring the resources of the heavenly, unseen realm into the physical realm of the earth. That is the embodiment of the Lord’s Prayer.
But the only way to access and utilize God’s spiritual riches and plans in Heaven is by faith. “We have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2).
As we talked about in an earlier devotion, faith is the “extension cord” of Heaven. It allows the resources of Heaven to be released from the invisible spiritual realm into visible physical realm. That’s the catch—and the reason so many believers in Jesus aren’t living according to the true riches found in Christ.
The Father longs for us to be able say in faith, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” The first question our hearts need to answer is, “Is this true?” Are there resources in Heaven that God has provided for us to meet our every need? Pray about this. Search the Scriptures for yourself, and see if it’s true.
If it is, then put all your faith in your Lord and ask Him how He wants those resources to be released into your life. Write down the revelation (the revealing of God) you receive.
September 24, 2024
The Measure of Faith
“… as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) Everyone has a measure of faith. The important thing to consider is how we’re using it. This gift of seeing the unseen was made to fulfill specific purposes.
1. The main purpose of seeing the unseen through faith is to have a relationship with the one and only true, unseen God, who is a spiritual being. Interacting with Him and having relationship with Him can only occur through faith. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
2. Faith enables us to partner with God to see ourselves as He prophetically sees us. Remember the story of Abraham and Sarah? It was impossible for them to have children—they were nearly a hundred years old. But Abraham chose to believe and see himself as God saw him, and as a result, he became the father of many nations (Romans 4:17–18). When we see ourselves as God sees us, it transforms us into the likeness of Jesus.
3. Through faith we shed worldly perspectives of God and embrace the truth of who He really is and what He’s like. We see and know Him through faith—the One who is eternal and spiritually unseen. Abraham was transformed when he chose to believe and see God as the One who calls into being that which does not exist and gives life to the dead (Romans 4:17–18). We’re on a lifelong journey to see, believe, and know the Lord, who is eternally good and faithful.
4. Our faith enables us to partner with God to see His invisible Kingdom and His will released on the earth (Matthew 6:10). Faith is a gift that enables us to see the unseen Kingdom and will of God. When we see it through faith, we can physically and spiritually work with God to see that Kingdom and will brought into existence on the earth.
Creative people—painters, craftsmen, inventors, writers, musicians—see by faith the things God has purposed before the foundations of the world. They look into what is God’s will and unseen in order to bring those things into the physical realm. The question is this: Do they acknowledge the Source of the internal visions they’ve received?
God is calling us to partner with Him and live our lives in the unseen, dreaming and living in a way that reflects His heart. As Christians, we don’t get to “just play it safe,” operating in what we can see in the physical realm. We don’t ignore the physical realm—the seen world all around us—but we learn how to partner with God to discover and bring what is spiritually seen from Heaven into the physical realm. He’s inviting us to see, believe, receive, live, and pray His will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. We get to declare in faith, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
September 23, 2024
Faith: The Ability to See and Receive the Unseen of Heaven
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
I think the main difference between human beings and animals is the ability to live by faith. Faith is the God-given ability to reach into the unseen spiritual realm of Heaven and bring something into the physical realm of earth.
A beaver builds a dam according to instinct. It follows the same basic pattern every other beaver has followed. Birds build nests according to their kind. But human beings can open the doors of creativity. New obstacles release new levels of faith in humans. God created us in such a manner that we discover the best of life when we walk like Him and with Him in the unseen world of faith. Faith is seeing the unseen.
God is the greatest Inventor who has ever existed.
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:3)
When God created the worlds, He did so with faith. Through faith He saw the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He’s given us the opportunity to experience His reality through faith.
The Greek word for “understand” in this verse literally means “to know.” Or for our purposes here, “to see in the mind.” By faith we know and see how God created (invented) the seen worlds out of the unseen spiritual realm.
We were created in God’s image and likeness; therefore, we are created to operate in the unseen realm of faith (Genesis 1:2–28). Every person born into the world has the ability to believe God. He gives them this ability, which allows them to believe or trust in someone, for something that is not seen (Romans 12:3; Hebrews 11:1). Through faith we can reach out for things that are not yet seen or experienced.
Inventors do this all the time. They come up with new inventions because they can “see” something in their minds that doesn’t exist yet in the physical. That is a form of faith. Writers do the same thing. They operate in a form of faith as they take a God-ordained vision that is unseen in their minds and bring it into the physical realm in the form of a book, a song, a poem, etc.
A life of faith is possible for each of us because we all have a “measure” of faith, as Romans 12:3 states. This is true whether or not we believe in Jesus. For example, Jesus told the Roman centurion that he had great faith (Matthew 8:10). Later He made a similar pronouncement over a Syrophoenician woman (Matthew 15:28). Both of those people needed unseen salvation of God. But in their moment of need, they used their faith to access the power in Jesus for their situations.
Each of us have a measure of faith. Each of us have the ability to see into the unseen realm of the spirit and by faith bring the God’s unseen spiritual blessings into our lives.
Faith: The Ability to See and Receive the Unseen of Heaven
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
I think the main difference between human beings and animals is the ability to live by faith. Faith is the God-given ability to reach into the unseen spiritual realm of Heaven and bring something into the physical realm of earth.
A beaver builds a dam according to instinct. It follows the same basic pattern every other beaver has followed. Birds build nests according to their kind. But human beings can open the doors of creativity. New obstacles release new levels of faith in humans. God created us in such a manner that we discover the best of life when we walk like Him and with Him in the unseen world of faith. Faith is seeing the unseen.
God is the greatest Inventor who has ever existed.
By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:3)
When God created the worlds, He did so with faith. Through faith He saw the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He’s given us the opportunity to experience His reality through faith.
The Greek word for “understand” in this verse literally means “to know.” Or for our purposes here, “to see in the mind.” By faith we know and see how God created (invented) the seen worlds out of the unseen spiritual realm.
We were created in God’s image and likeness; therefore, we are created to operate in the unseen realm of faith (Genesis 1:2–28). Every person born into the world has the ability to believe God. He gives them this ability, which allows them to believe or trust in someone, for something that is not seen (Romans 12:3; Hebrews 11:1). Through faith we can reach out for things that are not yet seen or experienced.
Inventors do this all the time. They come up with new inventions because they can “see” something in their minds that doesn’t exist yet in the physical. That is a form of faith. Writers do the same thing. They operate in a form of faith as they take a God-ordained vision that is unseen in their minds and bring it into the physical realm in the form of a book, a song, a poem, etc.
A life of faith is possible for each of us because we all have a “measure” of faith, as Romans 12:3 states. This is true whether or not we believe in Jesus. For example, Jesus told the Roman centurion that he had great faith (Matthew 8:10). Later He made a similar pronouncement over a Syrophoenician woman (Matthew 15:28). Both of those people needed unseen salvation of God. But in their moment of need, they used their faith to access the power in Jesus for their situations.
Each of us have a measure of faith. Each of us have the ability to see into the unseen realm of the spirit and by faith bring the God’s unseen spiritual blessings into our lives.